Is there anything wrong with starting somewhere else than the beginning of the Bible and then backing up?

on Feb 16, 2024

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: When I was released from prison, my mother gave me her Bible and told me that if I would read and take it to heart, I would understand the Gospel that could change my life. I never want to see the inside of a cell again and have asked the Lord to forgive me of my sin and for breaking my mother’s heart when I was arrested for selling drugs. I asked my mother where I should start reading. She said to start at the beginning, but is there anything wrong with starting somewhere else and then backing up? – N.B.

A: The first hint of the Gospel comes from Genesis 3:15; this is the first promise of salvation. Genesis is the book of beginnings. “In the beginning God created … man in His own image” (Genesis 1:1, 27, NKJV).

The gospel of John (one of the four gospels in the New Testament) says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). This book is the clearest and most readily understood, written to make salvation understood, and a marvelous way to begin reading the Bible. A knowledge of the Bible is essential to a rich and meaningful life. The words have a way of filling in the missing pieces, of bridging the gaps, of turning the tarnished colors of life to jewel-like brilliance. By taking every problem to the Bible, God through His Word leads us to the answers to life’s problems.

Jesus said of Himself, “I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 21:6; 22:13). He died on the cross for man’s sin to set the prisoners [of sin] free by paying the penalty of sin with His own life. By His resurrection, He offers new life and eternal life to everyone who will repent and receive Him as Lord and Savior. This is the story of the Bible.

========

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)