Bible Reading Plans
Deepen your relationship with God through structured reading.
Our Identity in Christ – Who Are We?
This Bible reading plan helps you better understand who you are in Christ. Over seven weeks, five days each week, you will read what God gives you in Christ and how this shapes your everyday life. At the end, you will compare life in Adam with life in Christ.
The All-Operating God
God operates all things according to the counsel of His will. This 3-day reading plan shows how He sovereignly directs our life paths and makes even afflictions and evil serve His glorious plan of salvation.
Our Celestial Allotment in Christ
In contrast to Israel, whose promises are earthly, we as members of the body of Christ are blessed with every spiritual blessing amidst the celestial regions. This 3-day reading plan highlights our heavenly citizenship and our future scope of tasks.
The Glorious Secret of Universal Reconciliation
God's glorious goal is to reconcile the entire universe (heaven and earth) to Himself through the blood of the cross of Jesus Christ. This 5-day reading plan guides us through the deepest truths of His purpose – from His universal will of salvation to the ultimate destiny that God will be »all in all«. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** God, the Savior of all mankind * **Day 2:** Dying in Adam, living in Christ * **Day 3:** The reconciliation of the universe * **Day 4:** Every knee shall bow * **Day 5:** God will be all in all
Justified by Faith Alone – Completely Without Works
We stand in the overflowing grace of God. In sharp contrast to the Gospel of the Circumcision, the Apostle Paul teaches for today's dispensation absolute salvation and justification *alone* by faith – completely without works of the law. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Justified without works of the law * **Day 2:** Abraham's faith as our example * **Day 3:** Salvation as a pure gift of grace * **Day 4:** The contrast to the righteousness of the law * **Day 5:** Grace categorically excludes works
The Body Ecclesia: One Body, Not the Bride
We, the believers in the current dispensation, are not the Bride of Christ (that role belongs to faithful Israel on earth), but form His body ecclesia. This reading plan highlights the glorious secret of the Apostle Paul: Jews and nations are united in spirit into a completely new creation and one joint body. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** The secret of the joint body * **Day 2:** The new creation in Christ * **Day 3:** Equal members of the one body * **Day 4:** The contrast: The Bride on earth vs. the Body in heaven * **Day 5:** Christ as the exalted Head of the body ecclesia
The Ministry of Reconciliation in Our Time
In the present dispensation, God no longer imputes the world's offenses to them. He has reconciled us to Himself in Christ and entrusted us with the word of reconciliation. This 4-day reading plan highlights our highest task today: to proclaim the completed reconciliation to all people as ambassadors for Christ. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** The love of Christ compels us * **Day 2:** A new creation – the former things have passed away * **Day 3:** God does not impute offenses * **Day 4:** Our task as ambassadors for Christ
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth
To understand God's plan of salvation, it is imperative to »rightly divide« the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). This 4-day reading plan helps us clearly distinguish between God's ways with Israel (earthly kingdom, law) and His ways with us, the body ecclesia (super-heavenly regions, pure grace). **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Rightly apportioning the word of truth * **Day 2:** Two Gospels: Circumcision and Uncircumcision * **Day 3:** The three groups: Jews, Nations, and the Ecclesia of God * **Day 4:** The contrast: Earthly promise vs. super-heavenly allotment
Suffering as a Special Gift of Grace
In the current dispensation of grace, afflictions and sufferings are not a sign of God's wrath. On the contrary: they are graciously granted to us, serve for our inner edification, and produce a surpassing, future glory. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Suffering for Christ as a gift of grace * **Day 2:** The God of all comfort in affliction * **Day 3:** Glorying in tribulations * **Day 4:** Light affliction produces aionian glory * **Day 5:** Enduring with Him to reign with Him
Our Salvation from the Day of Wrath
We, the members of the body of Christ, are not appointed to wrath. Before the seven-year tribulation breaks upon the earth, we will be caught up (raptured) into the air to meet Christ. This 4-day reading plan reveals our wonderful expectation of being saved from the day of wrath and transferred into His super-heavenly kingdom. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Saved from the wrath to come * **Day 2:** Not appointed to wrath * **Day 3:** The rapture into the air * **Day 4:** Transformation and super-heavenly kingdom
The Sleep of the Dead and the Living Expectation of Resurrection
Scripture teaches that the dead »sleep« and have no consciousness; they are in a state of imperceptibility (Sheol/Hades). Our true biblical confidence is not based on an unbiblical continued existence immediately after death, but on the future bodily resurrection and transformation at the presence of our Lord. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** The dead have no consciousness * **Day 2:** Death is compared to sleep * **Day 3:** Without resurrection, those who fell asleep would have perished * **Day 4:** The victory over death: Resurrection and transformation
Free from the Law: Living in Pure Grace
In the current dispensation of grace, we are not under the Law of Moses. Dietary regulations and Sabbath commandments were intended for Israel and are only a shadow of things to come. This 4-day reading plan shows our glorious freedom in Christ, which guides us to walk in the spirit and enjoy His grace. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Not under law, but under grace * **Day 2:** Christ is the end of the law * **Day 3:** Free from religious dietary laws * **Day 4:** The Sabbath as a shadow – our true rest
God is the Savior of All Mankind
God's universal will of salvation is irrefutable: He wills that all mankind be saved, and He is indeed the Savior of all mankind. This 4-day reading plan shows how God, through Christ, will ultimately vivify all people – though each in their own class. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** The Savior of all mankind * **Day 2:** God's universal will of salvation * **Day 3:** As in Adam all die, so in Christ all will live * **Day 4:** Each in their own class
The Exclusive Secrets of the Apostle Paul
For eonian times, God kept certain truths hidden, only to reveal them to the Apostle Paul for the current dispensation of grace. This 7-day reading plan explores these exclusive secrets – from the joint body of Christ and the reconciliation of the world to our future transformation. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** The secret dispensation of grace * **Day 2:** The joint body and the secret of marriage * **Day 3:** The secret of God's will * **Day 4:** Christ among the nations * **Day 5:** The secret of the Gospel (Reconciliation) * **Day 6:** The secret of our transformation * **Day 7:** The secret of Israel's hardening and God's hidden wisdom
Christ, the Origin and Head Over the Universe
Jesus Christ is not only our Savior, but also the origin of God's creation and the glorified Head over the entire universe. This 5-day reading plan unfolds the unsurpassed greatness and glory of Christ, in whom the universe is created, consists, and is ultimately »headed up«. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Christ, the origin of creation * **Day 2:** The Sustainer and Bearer of the universe * **Day 3:** The Head of the body ecclesia * **Day 4:** Heading up the universe in Christ * **Day 5:** The Consummation: All things subjected to Him
Putting Off the Old and Putting On the New Humanity
As a new creation in Christ, our old humanity has been co-crucified. Practical sanctification in everyday life happens not by force, but as a logical consequence of our state of grace. This 5-day reading plan guides us from understanding the new creation to the renewal of our minds and putting on the new humanity in daily life. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** A completely new creation * **Day 2:** The old humanity is co-crucified * **Day 3:** The renewal of the mind * **Day 4:** Putting off the former way of life * **Day 5:** Putting on the new humanity and love
The Future Resurrections – Each in Their Own Class
The Bible does not teach a single, general resurrection at the end of time. Instead, there is a precise divine order in which God makes the dead alive. This 5-day reading plan highlights the different classes of resurrection – from Christ the firstfruits to the final vivification of all mankind at the consummation. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Christ the firstfruits and those who are His * **Day 2:** The rapture and transformation of the body ecclesia * **Day 3:** The first resurrection of Israel (to the kingdom) * **Day 4:** The second resurrection (to judgment) * **Day 5:** The consummation: Death is abolished
The Bema Seat Judgment of Christ
As members of the body ecclesia, we are saved from the wrath of God and do not come into the judgment of condemnation. Nevertheless, we will all be made manifest before the bema seat judgment of Christ, where our walk and our service for God will be evaluated and rewarded. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Everyone will give account for themselves * **Day 2:** Made manifest before the bema seat * **Day 3:** The work is tested by fire * **Day 4:** The Lord brings the hidden things to light
The One Baptism in the Spirit – Freed from Rituals
In the Gospel of the Circumcision, water baptism was strictly linked to the forgiveness of sins. In today's dispensation of overflowing grace, however, there is only *one* valid baptism: the invisible baptism in the Spirit of God, which places us into the one body of Christ at the inception of faith. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** One Lord, one faith, one baptism * **Day 2:** Baptized by one spirit into one body * **Day 3:** Sealed with the holy spirit * **Day 4:** Co-crucified and baptized into His death
The Fallacy of Free Will – God's Sovereign Operation
Does man have a free will? Scripture teaches that the natural man is a slave to desires and sin. We find true freedom not in an illusory freedom of choice, but only when God's spirit shapes our will and we live in conscious agreement with His sovereign purpose. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Trapped in the will of the flesh * **Day 2:** The disposition of the flesh does not submit * **Day 3:** It is not of him who wills, but of God * **Day 4:** God operates the willing and the doing
God's Judgments Bring Correction – The Purpose of His Wrath
God's judgments are not a cruel end, but a divine means to His glorious goal. They are absolutely just, serve to teach about good and evil, and correct misguided humanity to ultimately prepare them for His mercy at the consummation. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Through judgments they learn righteousness * **Day 2:** The righteous rendering according to works * **Day 3:** Chastisement out of a Father's love for correction * **Day 4:** The Goal: All locked up in stubbornness to have mercy on all
Two Different Gospels
To rightly divide the word of truth, we must recognize that God entrusted two different gospels: to the Apostle Peter the Gospel of the Circumcision (for the earthly kingdom of Israel) and to the Apostle Paul the Gospel of the Uncircumcision (pure grace for today's body ecclesia). **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Two apostles, two gospels * **Day 2:** Justification: Faith alone vs. faith and works * **Day 3:** Israel's conditions: Repentance and probation * **Day 4:** The secret of the body ecclesia for the nations
Death as Return and Sleep
The Bible does not teach an immortal soul that lives on after death. Death is rather the reversal of the creation process: the body returns to the earth, the spirit of life returns to God, and the soul (consciousness) ceases to exist. Only resurrection brings new life. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** The creation of the living soul * **Day 2:** Death as a return to the origin * **Day 3:** In the realm of the dead (Sheol) there is no consciousness * **Day 4:** Death is like a deep sleep
The Thousand-Year Kingdom of Israel
When Jesus Christ returns in glory, He will make the new covenant with the regenerated Israel and establish His thousand-year kingdom. Then Israel, as a royal and priestly nation, will make disciples of all nations on earth. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** The priestly and royal reign of the saints of Israel * **Day 2:** A new heart and the new covenant * **Day 3:** From Zion goes forth the instruction * **Day 4:** Israel will be a blessing to all nations
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
The story in Luke 16 is not a factual account of the soul living on in the realm of the dead (Sheol), but a sharp parable of Jesus against the Pharisees. Those who ignore God's warnings would not be convinced even if someone rose from the dead. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** The Pharisees and the rich man * **Day 2:** An impassable chasm in the parabolic imagery * **Day 3:** The necessity of listening to Moses and the Prophets * **Day 4:** Jesus' warning to the rich
The Consummation: God Will Be All in All
The magnificent goal of God's purpose of the eons: At the end of salvation history, Christ will hand over the kingdom to His Father. The second death (the last enemy) will be completely abolished and discarded, and God will rule as »all in all«. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Christ the firstfruits, and the classes of vivification * **Day 2:** The abolishment of the last enemy: Death * **Day 3:** The subjection of the universe and handing over the kingdom * **Day 4:** The new heaven and the new earth (the final eon) * **Day 5:** Out of Him and to Him is the universe
Christ, the High Priest in the Order of Melchizedek
The Epistle to the Hebrews shows that Jesus is a far more exalted High Priest than the flawed, human-borne priesthood of Aaron's descendants. His priesthood is in the order of Melchizedek, eternal, perfect, and based on far better blood. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** The compassionate High Priest in the heavens * **Day 2:** Melchizedek as a type of an eternal priesthood * **Day 3:** An imperishable office that saves eternally * **Day 4:** The better sacrifice in the heavenly sanctuary
The Secret of Marriage: Christ and the Body Ecclesia
The Apostle Paul reveals a deep secret in Ephesians 5: The earthly marriage between husband and wife is an image of the spiritual unity and perfect love between Christ and His body ecclesia. He gave Himself up for her, to present her to Himself in glory. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Submission and love in the fear of Christ * **Day 2:** Christ's devoted love for the ecclesia * **Day 3:** Caring for one's own body * **Day 4:** The great secret
The Armor of God
Our super-heavenly struggle requires divine protection. We put on the armor provided by God – truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and spirit – to withstand in the evil day and overcome the stratagems of the adversary. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** The struggle against the spiritual forces of wickedness * **Day 2:** The belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness * **Day 3:** The sandals of peace and the shield of faith * **Day 4:** The helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit, and persistent prayer
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
In the end times, the nations invited to the wedding feast of the kingdom (the virgins) wait for the Bridegroom Jesus Christ. Only the prudent ones, who have the light of the prophetic word (the oil), will share in the joy of the thousand-year kingdom with Israel (the Bride). **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Prudent and foolish virgins wait for the Bridegroom * **Day 2:** The cry in the night and the lack of oil * **Day 3:** The closed door and the exhortation to watchfulness * **Day 4:** The wedding of the Lamb and the invited guests
The New Covenant in Christ's Blood
The old covenant of the law at Sinai was broken by Israel. However, through His blood on the cross, Jesus Christ established a new, better covenant, guaranteeing future reborn Israel forgiveness, a new heart, and the indwelling of the Spirit of God. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** The announcement of the new covenant by the prophets * **Day 2:** A new heart and the law within * **Day 3:** Jesus Christ as the true mediator of the new covenant * **Day 4:** Forgiveness of sins and a graciously accepted people
Letting Go of Worries – Trust in Everyday Life
In everyday life, we are easily overwhelmed by worries about the future, finances, or health. God calls us to cast all our anxiety on Him because He cares for us. This 4-day reading plan strengthens deep trust in the loving care of our heavenly Father. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Do not worry, but seek His kingdom * **Day 2:** Cast all worries on God through prayer * **Day 3:** God works all things together for good * **Day 4:** Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Strength in Weakness and Illness
Illness and physical frailties strongly challenge our faith. But it is precisely in these deep valleys that God's power is revealed. This 4-day reading plan helps us understand why our outer person is decaying while the inner is being renewed, and where we can find true encouragement. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** God's power is perfected in weakness * **Day 2:** The outer person decays, the inner is renewed * **Day 3:** The Father of compassions and God of all encouragement * **Day 4:** Afflictions produce endurance and expectation
Forgiveness and Peace with Fellow Men
Tensions and hurt feelings are among the greatest challenges of everyday life. But as those who have been reconciled to God through Christ, we are called to show grace to others. This 4-day reading plan introduces us to the ministry of reconciliation and overcoming evil with good. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Showing grace and forgiving one another * **Day 2:** Overcome evil with good * **Day 3:** We have the ministry of reconciliation * **Day 4:** Love your enemies and bless them
Purity and Sanctification in Everyday Life
The current society constantly confronts us with impurity, selfishness, and fleshly desires. As a new creation, however, we are to present our bodies as a holy sacrifice. This 4-day reading plan strengthens us to flee youthful desires and walk in the spirit. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** The renewal of our minds * **Day 2:** Walking in the spirit, crucifying the flesh * **Day 3:** Staying away from all fornication * **Day 4:** Fleeing desires and purifying oneself
Attitude Towards Authority and in Times of Crisis
Societal upheavals and political crises unsettle many. The Bible, however, calls us to respectfully deal with governmental authority, pray for rulers, and trust that God sovereignly guides world history, while our true citizenship is in the heavens. **Daily Topics:** * **Day 1:** Subjection to governmental authority * **Day 2:** Prayer for all in superior positions * **Day 3:** God operates all things according to His counsel * **Day 4:** Our heavenly citizenship and confidence
God, Money and My Heart
This Bible reading plan guides you for 32 days through the question of how we handle money, possessions and wealth before God. You will read that God is the Owner and we are stewards, what the Bible warns about the love of money, why under grace we give freely and joyfully, and why God does not promise us a prosperity gospel. At the end you will see: Christ is our true wealth.