Study Scripture Circularly and Not Linearly
When most people read the Bible, they do so linearly. They read a passage and form their understanding of what it means. They set this determination in their minds. They may even apply it to their lives. But this is not the best way of how to read the Bible.
In most cases, their conclusion remains fixed, and they seldom change their minds. This is not good. This is not the best approach to studying Scripture.
Let Scripture interpret Scripture
Instead, a better method of how to read the Bible is to study the Bible circularly. In this way, we let Scripture interpret Scripture.
We read one passage and form our initial understanding of it. Then we read a different passage and gain new insight, which we can then use to inform—to deepen—our understanding of the first passage.
For example, we can read about the death of Jesus and form a basic understanding of what his sacrifice means. Then we can read the Old Testament about God’s command to offer a sacrifice for sins. We also form a basic understanding of what this means.
Then, when we go back to the New Testament and read about Jesus’s death, we can apply what we learned from the Old Testament text to what Jesus did. As a result, our understanding of and appreciation for what he did for us makes more sense.
At this point, our grasp for the Old Testament expectation to offer a sacrifice for our sins carries a deeper meaning. It points forward to the Messiah.
In this way, the circular approach of how to read the Bible allows us to dig deeper into the text and sharpen our understanding with each successive pass.
Filter Out Biases, Preconceived Notions, and Life Experiences
As we use a circular approach to reading and studying Scripture, we not only need to look for ways to let the Bible inform the Bible, we need to also guard against our natural tenancy to let our experience color what we read.
We all tend to read the Bible through the lens of the world we live in, through the perspective of our life’s experience. It’s our nature to do so. We all do it. But that doesn’t make it right.
Instead, we need to be on the lookout for ways where our personal experience skews how we read the Bible.
Each time we read the passage, we must ask ourselves if we’re reading what the text says in totality or using some of it to align with our preset assumptions while ignoring the parts that encounter to it.
How to Read the Bible
When we use the Bible to study the Bible and strive to remove our own biases as we read it, we study Scripture circularly.
In this way, each successive pass deepens our understanding of its words. Then we apply what we learned to how we live our lives.
This is how to best read the Bible.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo Christianity and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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