In response, the New Reformation will seek to make cover-to-cover Bible
reading - favoring a chronological approach - a primary emphasis in our Evangelical Churches, Denominations and Seminaries. This will be done by:
- Building commitment to cover-to-cover reading of the Scriptures through a growing comradery in the local Church
- Building commitment to cover-to-cover reading of the Scriptures through a growing comradery in our evangelical denominations.
- Building commitment to cover-to-cover reading of the Scriptures through a growing comradery and support in our evangelical seminaries.
- Building a website and establishing a media presence with a focus on cover-to-cover reading of the Bible.
The posting date of this document is November 28, 2022. For this much needed Reformation - which advocates a return to emphasizing and teaching direct and focused cover-to-cover reading of His Holy Scriptures by our Evangelical Churches, Denominations, and Seminaries - consider November 28, 2022 as the date we "Nailed our Theses to the Church Door" - 505 years and 28 days after the Reformer performed this task the first time.
Our core beliefs are below. To find Bible Reading Resources and Who We Are - Click the "Pages to our New Reformation" above.
Specifically…
We propose that Churches more actively promote cover-to-cover reading of the entire Bible - favoring a chorological reading approach. This could easily be done by
endorsing the cover-to-cover read-through with an occasional mention from the
Pulpit, a mention in Sunday School, or a note in the Church
Bulletin. Links to Bible reading plans could be added to Church
websites. The New Reformation will have little impact on Sunday services -
remember, the Bible reading will be done outside of the Sunday worship service with
the believer alone - and His Holy Scriptures alone.
On a Denomination level, we propose
that documents of church governance (denomination bylaws, books of church
order, etc.) be modified to specifically address and promote chronological,
cover-to-cover reading of the Bible. This effort, (potentially a major
and lengthy task in view of the size of many of our evangelical denominations)
will normally reflect an agreement by the Denomination to address and promote
this effort.
In our Evangelical Seminaries,
we propose that curriculum be modified to contain a distinct emphasis on the
chronological, cover-to-cover reading of the entire Bible effort for future
Pastors and Teachers as they lead their flocks. The seminaries can also
provide help in developing reading plans and with doctrinal guidance.
We recognize that reading the entire Bible is a long and challenging journey - difficult or impossible for many. Accordingly, we offer suggestions to develop abbreviated approaches - always advocating direct reading of the Bible. We offer these approaches because, ultimately, we remember the completely undeserved and unmerited Grace given us - which allows us to be seen as righteous in His eyes in spite of our brokenness and sin. We strive to remember and reflect His Grace always and in everything - even in this effort. Referring to a verse that was a favorite of the Reformer: It is by Grace we have been saved.
Goal and Strategy: Chronological and Cover-to-Cover
The goal is to read the entire Bible directly - chronologically and
cover-to-cover. It has been our discovery that by
reading through the Bible cover-to-cover chronologically you actually can
obtain an understanding of the flow of God's Plan of Salvation.
In the first Reformation Luther fought the Roman Catholic Church that
controlled access to the Bible. He translated the Bible into German so it
could be read by the common people. We have a different situation
now but the results are the same - the Bible is not being read
cover-to-cover.
Many of those who are interested in the Gospel focus on reading and
learning about the Bible - but not by reading the Bible directly. They
read books on theology, they listen to podcasts from Christian teachers, and
they access related websites - and this is all proper and edifying - but our
main evangelical Churches Denominations in general do not directly and actively
promote direct chronological cover-to-cover reading of the Bible.
The New Reformation addresses this issue. Reading directly through
the entire Bible chronologically is the focus of this Reformation - a New
Reformation.
Why
Chronologically? Why not Read the Bible in Order from Genesis to
Revelations? What Difference Does it Make?
The Team recognizes that
our emphasis on "chronological" reading will be a challenging point
for some. Hear our apologetic on this approach:
Chronological is defined as “starting with the earliest and following the order in which they occurred”.
“In the Beginning” introduces the concept of “chronological” in the very first words of the Word. This is followed by a chronologically ordered day by day explanation of merely all of creation. Soon following, chronologically, occurs the fall. This is followed, chronologically, by the promise of a Redeemer. Events march forward - chronologically. A nation is formed. Judges rule. A King is chosen. The kingdom splits. One kingdom falls, then the other, chronologically, as both nations succumb to idolatry. Then, at the appointed time, chronologically, our Redeemer arrives, incarnate and born in a stable. His ministry is measured, chronologically, between months and years when “His time had not yet come” - and, chronologically, when “His time had come”.
What “time” was it when "His time
had come"? Passover! An event which occurred millennia prior,
chronologically.
Our Creeds outline the work of Christ,
chronologically: "I believe in Jesus Christ, his only
Son, our Lord, who (in chronological order) was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin
Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he
descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to
heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there
he will come to judge the living and the dead."
His Word is One Story. It reveals itself over time - Chronologically - and, practically speaking, the Story is much easier to understand if it is read chronologically - as it reveals itself. Much easier.
Chronologically and embedded in human history (indeed, with "BC" and "AD"...defining human history right down to how years are numbered and millennia are measured...), our Creator's Plan of
Salvation is revealed in His Word, from the fall, until the Cross, and finally,
to the empty Tomb. Chronologically - starting with the earliest events of
creation and following the order in which they occurred - is how the Holy
Scriptures reveal the Plan of our Creator to save His people - and
Chronologically is how His Word will be read, preferably (but not dogmatically), in our New
Reformation.
We will read, that is, until such time in the future, chronologically, when the hands of all clocks are frozen on eternity - in accordance with His Plan put into place, chronologically, before the foundations of the world - and we will worship Him in His presence forever.
Aren't you Saying that the Book of Amos is as Important as the Gospel of
Matthew? How can this be?
The Holy Scriptures are the divinely inspired revelation of our Creator
to covenant and provide a Plan of Salvation for His people through the Redeemer
Jesus Christ. These Holy Scriptures include the Gospel of Matthew
as well as the Book of Amos.
Having said that, The Team is not in the position to assess the relative
importance of one Book in His Holy Scriptures over another. We will not
address these questions.
Why is Repetition Important?
We have found it to be life changing to read the Scriptures
cover-to-cover chronologically every year. Through this year after
year journey, the progressive revelation of His Plan for our salvation has
become real, upfront and personal. Our experience with the
Scriptures through our annual journey is the main reason why we have undertaken
the New Reformation project.
Repetition accomplishes three things at the same time. Repetition
informs or conveys a message. Repetition results in effective teaching so
that a message is understood and is remembered. Finally, repetition is
usable for emphasizing a point. We accomplish these three things s we read the
Bible each year.
Consider the use of repetition in the Bible. There are 4 Gospels -
and much of His Story is repeated within these blessed books. That there
are 4 Gospels... allows for the conveyance of His complete and intended
message of our Redeemer. That there are 4 Gospels... which
repeatedly convey His Word - the Words of Jesus can be understood and
remembered. Finally, that there are 4 Gospels... provides emphasis
to the fact that through these blessed books we are now addressing the central
point of redemptive history - the coming of our Redeemer.
So to do we employ repetition in this document - which conveys our New Reformation. We use repetition... to clearly inform our readers of the our subject and direction of our New Reformation. We use repetition... to teach our views on the subject and direction of the New Reformation so they are understood and will be remembered. And finally, we use repetition... to repeatedly emphasize that the teachings of the Church, the Bride of Christ, are needed as a compliment to the New Reformation journey - this is not a "go it alone journey". To this point let there be no doubt. Repeatedly we mention and emphasize that the teachings, guidance and instruction of His Church, the Bride of Christ, are an essential complement to the New Reformation.
Not an Easy Journey
Reading through the entire Bible cover-to-cover chronologically is not an
easy journey.
We live in a part of the Nation that is hot and dry during the
summer. This is also the time of the year, in our annual journey, when we
are reading through the major prophets. They convey the frustration and
anger of our Creator at the continual, continual, continual fall into idolatry
of His people. The heat of the season parallels the tone of the
reading. This makes for a long, hot summer. We are thankful for the
oasis, sprinkled throughout these books, of the coming of His promised Redeemer
and Savior.
But the seasons turn and the cooler temperatures of fall welcome the
Gospel of Jesus!
Even so, developing an understanding His Plan of Salvation through
reading of the entire Scriptures is not an easy task. We continue to
learn. We are thankful for the allied and essential teachings of the
Bride of Christ - His Church. We will continually emphasize the importance of
the help from His Bride in understand Scriptures as we continue in our
annual journey.
We also want to emphasize that a one-time read through of the Bible was
not effective for us in teaching His Plan of Salvation. It took years, doing a
chronological read through each year, to come into a more solid grasp of His
Plan - and we are still learning. And so we start our read anew each year
on Jan 1.
Local Church Strategy - The New Reformation
How would the Local Church implement the New Reformation?
- Sunday
School or Home Fellowship Group Mention
One approach would be to develop a brief talk to introduce the tools for
reading through the Bible to be presented at the opening session of Sunday
School. Another approach would be to introduce the New Reformation
reading approach in Home Fellowship groups. Both approaches are low key
and won't take much effort.
- Brief
Pulpit Mention- and/or Mention in Announcements/Bulletin
Make a brief, periodic pulpit mention - or mention in the announcements
or bulletin - like this; “by the way, for those of you that are going through
our read through the Bible program, we will be reading the scriptures that we
are covering in today's sermon on August 27th.” Very little change
to Sunday services are suggested. Maybe 12 minutes a year pulpit
time. Alternatively, a mention in the bulletin and/or announcements would
work.
The goal is not to change what believers do in the worship service - but
what they do outside of worship on their own time. This is no small consideration by the
way. There are so many options and "entertainments"
available to those made in His Image. What can be more profitable for a
day-to-day activity than reading His Word?
- Sermon
Selection and/or Sunday School Curriculum
Collaboration between the New Reformation effort and the Sunday School
curriculum and/or Sermon selection would be helpful. A curriculum of
related teachings could be developed. A church should say, “since we are
supporting the cover-to-cover Bible reading effort, we have developed these
sermons and/or classes to provide guidance to our members”. This
curriculum might include sermons and/or classes on (1) the Confessions - to
provide doctrinal guidance during the read-through - and (2) the various Covenants
- since the Bible is all about our Covenant keeping Creator. Who will
develop this Curriculum?
- Church Website Link to Reading Plans
Add links to Bible reading plans in the Church website.
Denominational Strategy - The New Reformation
Start up a Study Committee within each of our evangelical denominations.
Consider how the denominational books of church governance could be revised to
mention chronological cover-to-cover reading. Explore how cover-to-cover
reading can be brought into the Denominational worship strategy.
Seminary Strategy - The New Reformation
Our Seminaries can lead in the New Reformation effort. They can
provide significant well considered theological and doctrinal support.
They can help develop the reading plans. They can also start teaching our
new Pastors how to include the New Reformation effort into their worship
services and teaching.
Website Strategy - The New Reformation
The New Reformation team
will use this website to convey the basics of the New Reformation. It
will be updated from time to time as we run into new thoughts or issues.
However, it is our belief that the message in this website will not change
much. The message is simple and focused:
Specifically, we propose, at the
Church level, that Churches more actively promote chronological, cover-to-cover
reading of the entire Bible. This could easily be done by endorsing the
Bible cover-to-cover read-through effort with an occasional mention from the
Pulpit - a similar mention in Sunday Schools and/or in the Church
Bulletin. Links to Bible reading plans could be added to Church
websites. The New Reformation will have little impact on Sunday services -
remember, the Bible reading will be done outside of the Sunday worship service
with the believer alone - and His Holy Scriptures alone.
On a Denomination level, modify
documents of church governance (denomination bylaws, books of church order,
etc.) to specifically address and promote chronological, cover-to-cover reading
of the entire Bible. This effort, (potentially a major and lengthy task
in view of the size of many of our evangelical denominations) will normally
reflect an agreement by the Denomination to address and promote this effort.
In our Evangelical Seminaries, modify
curriculum to contain a distinct emphasis on the chronological, cover-to-cover
reading of the entire Bible effort for future Pastors and Teachers as they lead
their flocks. Ask the seminaries to provide help with reading plans and
doctrinal guidance.
A Few Questions
How do you learn about God’s Plan of Salvation in our evangelical churches and our denominations? This is what we hear. Listen to this sermon. Read this book. Listen to this podcast. Check out this blog. Talk to this person. Study these Covenants. All these approaches are wonderful - and we fully support them - but we don’t see, “read the Bible. The whole Bible. Cover-to-cover”. At least we don't see it as a clear, ongoing and consistent emphasis.
Is the Bible God’s Word? Always we hear “Absolutely
yes". If this is the case, is it taught cover-to-cover?
When will Obadiah be taught? How about Joel? If Jeremiah is taught
all the way through, when is the next time that it will be taught - all the way
through?
When books are selected for a teaching series, what order are they
selected in? Is it Chronologically? What we see is that Churches shift
around in their sermon selection - chronologically speaking. In contrast,
the Bible reveals God’s plan of salvation progressively, chronologically, over
time. How does this sermon selection process support the chronological
revelation of God’s Plan? (Please understand, we support this
sermon selection approach - and would not change it. We have been
under very fine teaching and benefited from the sermon series we have
received. We do, however, believe that our understanding of these
teachings is enhanced when reading though the bible cover-to-cover
chronologically at the same time - and vice versa - as discussed herein.)
A Final Question - Will this be an easy change for our Churches,
Denominations, and Seminaries? Maybe - but maybe not. God’s Word is
transforming. What will be the impact if our pastors and teachers
find themselves facing “Priests” who comprise the “Priesthood of Believers” -
made so, measurably, by the working of His Spirit through the chronological
reading of His entire Word cover-to-cover? How will those in the pulpit
be impacted by those Priests who are now sitting in the pews? It may not
be easy for those who are our pastors and teachers - to guide these new
"Priests" - a few who have now become learned
"theologians". Not easy at all. This leads to our next
point....
Pray for our Pastors, Elders, and Church Leaders
Pray for our Church leaders. Pray that they may be given
wisdom and discernment with respect to how to adopt the New Reformation.
If they decide to move forward in assisting in this New Reformation, pray that
they be given patience and discernment to provide the doctrinal guidance and
instruction that will inevitably be needed.
Regardless, pray for them anyway. Our culture has inverted
itself. It's upside down. Our Church leaders are working diligently
and consistently to lead their flocks in this culture, and they need our
Prayers. We are asking that the New Reformation principles be adopted -
but how can this Reformation even be considered during our rampaging
times?
We on The Team do not see how our New Reformation can be discussed or
addressed during the continual distractions that our crazy times provides -
apart from the Holy Spirit working - which is how things will work occur
regardless. And so we trust in His working - we are thankful for His
Covenant promises.
We are thankful for our Church leaders. We have been blessed by our
Church Leaders. We will Pray for our Church leaders. We encourage
all who read this to pray for our Church Leaders.
This Hard Truth
The devil led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the highest point of
the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from
here. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard
you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not
strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put
the Lord your God to the test’.” Luke 4:9-12.
Consider this hard truth: Satan knows Scripture. He can twist
it. Take it out of context. He can use it for his own
purposes. This is certainly a reason why believers should regularly read
and take in the full testimony of scriptures - to see how it all,
cover-to-cover, fits together. If you read the whole of the scriptures,
you are less likely to fall into the trap of building a segmented, wrong
understanding of Scriptures by being led astray by the tempter and accuser.
A New Scholasticism?
Could a
diet of “para-biblical” teaching - without directly reading the Word of God - result in the formation of a unique
“theology”? A New Scholasticism? Clearly there is
unbiblical teaching out there. Many generate it, many read it.
Venture outside of the protection and shelter of conservative Christian circles
and you’ll find it.
For protection from this new thinking, if nothing else, our denominations
and our churches need to arm themselves with direct reading of the testimony of
the entire Sword of the Spirit - the whole of the Holy Scriptures - cover-to-cover.
Scholasticism occurs were belief goes “unanchored” to the Holy Scriptures - and "theologians" get creative. It's happening all the time if you venture outside of evangelical circles. Here is a definition of Scholasticism, as the term is normally used, to illustrate how crazy Biblical interpretation can get if left unanchored to the direct reading of His Word:
“Scholasticism was a medieval school of philosophy that
employed a critical organic method of philosophical analysis
predicated upon the Aristotelian 10 Categories. Christian
scholasticism emerged within the monastic schools that translated
scholastic Judeo—Islamic philosophies, and thereby
"rediscovered" the collected works of Aristotle. Endeavoring to
harmonize his metaphysics and its account of a prime
mover with the Latin
Catholic dogmatic trinitarian theology, these monastic schools
became the basis of the earliest European medieval universities, and
scholasticism dominated education in Europe from about 1100 to 1700. The rise
of scholasticism was closely associated with these schools that flourished
in Italy, France, Portugal, Spain and England.”
Quote from Wikipedia.
Is there a "New Scholasticism Heresy"? An Olive Branch
We will not answer the heresy question. But issues raised by the
New Reformation movement are serious. Does the Church teach the totality
of Scriptures - every book? Our Sovereign Creator provided every book
in the Bible in a format to be read.
Do we dare not read every book that was divinely, sovereignly and
intentionally given to us by Him?
The New Reformation will cause change. It will lead to opposition
and to conflict which will come from many sources, some which are going to be
quite surprising. However, before swords are drawn and heresy is charged,
we call for reflection and reason.
We offer an Olive Branch:
First, there is very little effort our Churches will need to make to
support the New Reformation. On a Church level, the effort impacts
primarily what our members do outside the church. Only a brief mention of
the effort is necessary.
Secondly, on a Denominational level, a mere acknowledgement of the New
Reformation recommendations, via minor modifications of church governing law,
is all that is suggested. Governance, in its various forms for our
conservative evangelical denominations, normally already acknowledges that the
entirety of the Word of God should be studied. Not much more is needed to
be consistent with what we propose (In actuality, it may take much effort
to revise these laws to support the New Reformation effort. For our major
denominations, it may take years to revise laws of governance. With that
said, the “theological” distance between what is typically stipulated or
outlined in these laws of governance for our evangelical denominations, and the
New Reformation - is quite short.)
Third, we recognize that, for various reasons, many will not be able to
participate in a full Bible read through program. We provide a list of
some of those that might not be able to do a full read through - and we suggest
abbreviated reading plans be developed for these groups.
Fourth, we recognize that it is not the reading of the Bible that leads
to salvation. Salvation is only provided by His Spirit and the indwelling
effort of justification.
Fifth, we recognize clearly that the Bride of Christ is necessary for
understanding the Bible. We cannot number or adequately value the
importance of the insights helpful in understanding the Bible that we have been
provided with via the Holy Spirit working through the teachings of His
Church.
Sixth and finally, we recognize that adoption of the New Reformation may
be difficult for some - coming at a difficult time in our tumultuous
culture. Our Church leaders need our prayers. We will pray
for our Church leaders for wisdom on how to address this New Reformation - and
we will pray for our Church leaders regardless. As we have noted and
again emphasize here, leading our Church during these times is very
difficult. We encourage all who read this to pray for them as
well.
The New Reformation effort of reading the entirety of Scriptures and the
distinct and many efforts to teach, instruct and disciple provided by the
Church - are perfect complements. They support each other.
You Need the
Bride of Christ.
In no way will the New
Reformation effort seek to replace any of the efforts or resources provided by
the Bride of Christ - in their many forms. The New Reformation is
not intended to become a parachurch organization. Even though you can
read through the Bible chronologically by yourself, explanation of what you are
reading, along with doctrinal guidance, will be needed - and is essential - and
will need to be provided by the Bride of Christ.
The New
Reformation will enhance and improve the need for Church instruction and
doctrinal guidance. An effective
synergy of teaching and Bible reading, on the Church level, could include the
development of a Church provided teaching series on Covenants of the Bible - to
provide a framework for more fully understanding the Plan of Salvation provided
during the Bible read through.
It's not Either/Or - It's Both
We are not saying read the Bible - and nothing else. Through the
working of the Holy Spirit, biblically consistent, doctrinally sound blogs,
books, and online sermons and teachings can be a source of tremendous
edification for the believer. Indeed, He works justification and
sanctification for many though the works of saints from past generations, such
as writings of the Reformers and the Puritans. We all benefit from
teachings from these sources. However, this “diet” needs to be combined with a cover-to-cover complete reading of His Scriptures.
It's not either / or – it’s both.
It's Not "Our Way or the Highway"
As far how the reading of the Bible should be done - it's not "our way or the highway". The New Reformation doesn't seek to establish a New Dogma on Bible reading. There are a number of ways to do a cover-to-cover reading. You can do the reading over 6 months or a year, or two years. You don't have to read every year either - every other year could work.
The Team recommends the chronological reading of Scriptures - and we offer our reasoning for this method. However, reading of the Scriptures cover-to-cover can be accomplished by using different approaches. Friends of our Team read portions of the Old and New Testaments as they journey through the Bible daily. There are approaches where reading of the Bible is directed to occur in order and support of His Covenants -- this is a fine approach as well. Praise Him if these approaches to the reading of the entirety of His Word work for you!
Having said that, we point out a few things: What has worked best
for us is to do the reading over a year. We also listen to an audio
reader which reads the daily texts so we are both reading and listening at the
same time. We listen to a teaching that corresponds to our daily
reading as well.
Finally, even though we do the daily reading along with the audio
reading, much, if not most of our understanding of the Bible comes from the
teachings of our Church. The Bible teaching we are under along with the
Bible studies we attend provide us with innumerable insights on what we are
covering daily in our reading - along with an understanding of the “big
picture” (i.e., covenantal viewpoint) on innumerable occasions. The
teachings from the Bride of Christ - His Church - compliment the Bible reading process
on every level.
It Isn't for
Everyone
We offer a change in
directions here on an important issue. The Bible makes a distinction between
those who can only handle milk – and those ready for spiritual meat. It
should be the goal for every believer to read through the Bible cover-to-cover,
but some may not be ready. The Bible is not just meat – its prime
rib. Many are not ready for prime rib 365 days a year.
Further, we want avoid
making the Bible reading exercise yet another work righteousness “to do” to
earn your salvation. The Bible, precious as it is, does not provide
Salvation. It is the gift, given by our Creator, of faith in Jesus as
Lord and Savior resulting in justification and cleansing from sin that leads to
Salvation. The salvation of a sinner and the gift of eternal life is
granted by His will. No doubt, this gift can be given as directed
by His will to those that have very little exposure to the Bible.
Believers should be
encouraged to read though the Bible – but not required. Some may not have
the time in their schedule to make the commitment – and there may be solid
reasons for this. Some may have started on the task with good intentions,
but are frustrated at being unable to complete the journey. Also,
it should be accepted with patience and the love of Christ that there may be
leaders and officers in the Church that do not have the time, or be ready, for
a daily and continual read through of the Bible.
The development of a
number of abbreviated Bible read-through plans for various groups should be
considered. Groups that would benefit from having a revised and
abbreviated chronological Bible reading plan include:
- Those new to the cover-to-cover journey
- The seeker including those from other nations
- Those who have tried, maybe multiple times, but for whatever reason, are frustrated at being unable to complete the journey
- Our homeless and transient population
- Those in assisted living or skilled nursing
- The incarcerated
If you Can't Read the Bible - Have it Read to You!
There are audio Bibles on the Web that can read the Bible to you - in many versions - and in many languages. Some of us on the Team use these in our reading journey. Refer to the heading "Audio Bible Reader - If you Can't Read the Bible - Have it Read to You!" in the "Bible Reading Resources" page.
Bible Reading Plans for Family Devotionals
There are parts of the Bible that are blunt and not suited for reading to
young children or family reading. Check out Ezekiel.
Moreover, some of the daily readings are quite lengthy and would be hard on the
attention span of younger folk. A thorough but appropriate reading plan
is needed for family reading.
Cover-to-Cover vs In-Depth Study
A criticism of the cover-to-cover
approach is that it does not "teach" the Bible so that it is
"learned" as effectively as the in-depth study of the Bible which
typically teaches individual books over a period time. In response, we
offer these thoughts:
Consider who might "know" the Book of Ezekiel
better: a saint who was under teaching on Ezekiel over a year's
time - but that teaching occurred 10 years ago - or a saint who read thru
Ezekiel every year for the last 10 years. What if the Book of Ezekiel was
never covered with in-depth study? What if Nahum was never
covered? What if Luke was covered using an in-depth approach - but
it was 20 years ago?
Further, in contrasting cover-to-cover vs in-depth
study; which approach is better at teaching the various books of the Bible as
each book fits within the context of the Bible's revelation of His full and
entire Plan of Salvation? Which approach would be more adept at leaving
the saint with the notion that each book is a "stand alone island"?
Don’t misunderstand us. We support in-depth
study of the Bible. In particular we
support in-depth teachings provided by the Bible believing evangelical local
church - made of the congregating saints made in His image - which should be
supported, studied and meditated upon whenever possible.
In-depth study and cover-to-cover reading approaches complement each
other. Realistically, it may not be
possible for a Church to provide in-depth study for all 66 books of the Bible
during the life of the typical church goer – or during the career of a pastor
or teacher. The cover-to-cover read through helps address this (to those opposed to the cover-to-cover read though… consider our approach realistically. We don’t just
read though a book and then forget it immediately upon completion… There is discussion and thought involved –
and frequently further research when questions arise…). On the other hand, deep study is lacking in
the cover-to-cover approach – no question.
The in-depth approach addresses this shortcoming.
These approaches are good friends of each other – Saints joining
forces in the battle. Each approach fills in the gaps where the other needs
help.
In-Depth Teachings from the Local Church
The teachings of the Local Church – comprised of the body of believers that He has chosen to surround each of us with every day - including every Sabbath – are a most important resource for guidance. (Indeed, the Preaching the Word is an element of the Order of Worship of our Sovereign Creator in the public gathering of His congregat0ing saints.)
During our cover-to-cover journey we have been looking around for in-depth teachings to supplement our readings - and have found that the best source for instruction has been right there before us - in the weekly teachings we receive and in the library of Local Church teachings provided on-line! If you have been blessed to have Biblically sound teachings from your Local Church - look first to that Church for support in your cover-to-cover journey.
Finally, if Jesus has saved you, He has grafted you into a group of people; a Church. God still works corporately today. Make the gathering of the Church, and the teachings provided by that Church, a priority. Consider these verses from The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers..."
It must be tough for a local Pastor to labor at preparing the pulpit message, week after week after week,. We need assistance from our local Church to help us unlock the mysteries of His Word in our cover to cover journey - and we on the Team appreciate the preaching from our local Church!
Meditation
A recently encountered insight we have been provided with is the
importance of combining all teachings we receive with meditation upon those
teachings. Strictly speaking, this is outside the focus or our
discussion. However, in our age of brevity, summary and "glossing
over", no matter how the Bible is studied, whether by in-depth or
cover-to-cover, the lost art of sincere and practiced meditation in combination
with this study is an effort best to be revived; the Word of God is eternally
important.
We offer these quotes taken from page 68 in the book, "God's Battle Plan for the Mind", Chapter
7 - Important Occasions for Meditation:
· "The
reality is that believers will not retain much of a sermon unless they spend
some time afterward meditating upon its truths.
· Thomas
Manton put it, 'To hear and not to meditate is unfruitful. We may hear
and hear, but it is like putting a thing into a bag with holes. When God
has cast seed into the heart, do not let the fowls peck it away.'
· Edmund
Calamy frankly stated, 'The reason why all the sermons we hear do us no more good
is for want of divine meditation.'
· Richard
Baxter agreed, 'And why so much preaching lost among us and professors can
run from sermon to sermon and are never weary of hearing or reading, yet have
much languishing, starved souls? I know of no truer or greater cause
than their ignorance and unconscionable neglect of meditation.'
· Thomas
Boston advised that after hearing the word preached, immediately begin
'meditation on it in your hearts and you will find your memories surprisingly
strengthened.'
· Richard
Greenham instructed in a similar vein, 'If we meditate of those general rules
which we have heard out of the word, we shall many times more clearly see into
the truth of it.'
· Thomas
Watson said, 'Better to meditate on one sermon than hear five.'
· James
Ussher's counsel is still as fitting today as ever, 'To meditate one hour is
worth more than a thousand sermons. This is no debasing of the word, but
an honor to it. It is how the word is particularly applied and laid
home.'"
Biblical Theology / Systematic Theology
We have come to the conclusion that you take on a view of the Bible that
is akin to a branch of study called Biblical Theology - as you read through the
Bible. The Bible progressively reveals His plan as you move through
the chronological journey of His Word. This progressive revelation, this
unfolding of God's plan of redemption, is addressed in the teachings we have
reviewed on Biblical Theology.
While chronological reading of His Word reveals the unfolding and
progressive revelation of His Plan of salvation - and Biblical Theological
tells us about this unfolding - Systematic Theology tells us what the Bible
says as the entirety of His Word is considered.
In essence, while Biblical Theology tells about the journey, Systematic
Theology tells us about what the Journey has taught us, as the entirety of the
journey is evaluated. We have found that we need to have a good
systematic theology - or understanding of the Bible as a whole - while we move
along in our annual chronological journey.
This is an important distinction as one may come to the conclusion that
the Bible teaches a certain position on an issue - if only a portion of the
scriptures is considered. Consider, for example, that our
understanding of sacrificial atonement changes considerably as we move
chronologically from the practices of the priests in the Temple in the Old
Testament to the advent of our Savior - as discussed in Hebrews 10:
“The
law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the
realities themselves. For this reason, it can never, by the same
sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw
near to worship. Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For
the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have
felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of
sins. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away
sins. Therefore, when Christ came into the
world, he said
“Sacrifice and offering you did not
desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt
offerings and sin offerings you
were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll I
have come to do your will my God.’
First, he said, “Sacrifices and
offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you
pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your
will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And
by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the
body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties;
again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away
sins. But when this priest had offered for
all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God…”
It's important to understand the chronological Journey - and Biblical
theology which is founded on the Bible - will help us with that. But
while the Journey is occurring - to keep a proper view of what is going on and
where things are heading - it's important to have a good Systematic
Theology.
For help in developing a personal understanding of what the Bible teaches after considering the whole of Scriptures - a "personal systematic theology" - consider reviewing the Nicene Creed and the Apostles Creed which are in the "Our Beliefs and Who We Are" page of this blog. For more help, consider looking to the Westminster Confession at this link:
https://thewestminsterstandard.org/the-westminster-confession/
Scripture Memorization
Much of the thinking that we have provided for cover-to-cover
chronological reading of the Bible also applies to the memorization of
Scriptures. It would do well to have both cover-to-cover chronological
reading of Scripture and Scripture memorization considered and addressed in
concert. Both are allied and complementary activities. Again. we
stress that salvation only occurs through accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior -
and we don't want to burden the believer with another works righteousness
"to do" - but intentional and focused coordination of reading and
memorization activities could be very fruitful and edifying for many in our
Churches.
The New Reformation and God’s Faithfulness to His Eternal Covenants after
the Closing of the Cannon
His Covenants made long ago continue. They are in place and
effective today, and they will continue forever. This obvious and clear
fact will be considered as the New Reformation Project is developed.
(However, the discussion of Church history and God’s progressive revelation of
His Plan of redemption to our, and future, generations can be most accurately
and effectively undertaken, with the ongoing guidance of daily reading of His
revealed will being undertaken at the same time - cover-to-cover and chronologically.)
Exploring God’s Faithfulness to His
eternal covenants after the closing of the cannon is a major undertaking. The
New Reformation Team is open to it and this topic may impact the content of our
Blog at some point.
The posting date of this document is November 28, 2022. For this much needed Reformation - which advocates a return to emphasizing and teaching direct and focused cover-to-cover reading of His Holy Scriptures by our Evangelical Churches, Denominations, and Seminaries - consider November 28, 2022 as the date we "Nailed our Theses to the Church Door" - 505 years and 28 days after the Reformer performed this task the first time.
= = = = =
We close now by offering a thought which has been on our mind since we started planning the New Reformation. It's a real head scratcher.
Frankly, why isn’t the evangelical Church all over this?
Why aren’t reading plans in place, associated and focused
teachings available, and seminaries involved - in full cover-to-cover
reading? His divinely inspired and holy Word comes to us in, ready
and available to be read, Book form.
Aren't books suppose to be read - and since the Bible is
His Word - shouldn't this Book be read cover-to-cover?
The Confessions were labored over for months and years –
why weren't they accompanied with Bible reading plans? Same thought for
the Catechisms – no Bible reading plans were provided. Over the many
years, so much work has been done; but no Bible reading plans provided - or
efforts to provide them. At least none that resulted in a clear and
ongoing Church emphasis.
Granted, the early Church had a valid excuse; there were
few that could read. Even fewer that had access to the Bible. But now,
this excuse is moot. Since the mid 1900's literacy rates have
dramatically improved. Virtually everyone can read and everyone has
access to the Bible - in multiple translations. Bibles are freely
available everywhere - waiting to be read and explored - cover-to-cover.
Further, we understand that our mainline evangelical
denominations, seminaries and churches have the furthest to travel in adopting
the New Reformation. With their established seminaries, publishing houses
and legions of teachers and instructors, why would they want to
"circumvent" these longstanding, formidable and established institutions by
having their flocks read the entire Bible directly? We appreciate and respect these institutions - a position we have expressed "repeatedly"...
Regardless, why haven’t those sitting in the pews been
clearly and consistently informed of "The Great Insight"… “you know,
salvation comes only through accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior - and we don't
want to burden you with another works/righteousness "to do"... but...
you can read the Bible cover-to-cover yourself… with some help… which we can
provide…”.
This should have happened long, long ago. With a loud
voice. With exceptional and clear vigor.
In pondering and in prayer we have finally come to one
conclusion; the blindness to this obvious and clear consideration has a cause.
It is a cause known for its cleverness. This cause can endlessly assume
many faces and forms. Please recognize that our intent is not to alarm or
overstate... but it’s the only explanation we can think of to address such
profound and long enduring oversight.
This cause has an unusual talent...
It slithers…
It's how serpents get around...
In response we offer these thoughts of strength and
confidence provided by the Reformer though the working and inspiration of the Holy Spirit:
And though this world, with devils
filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; His rage we can
endure,
for Lo! his doom is sure,
One little Word (indeed His Word) shall fell him.
Welcome to the New Reformation.