What Is Biblical Literacy And Why Does Your Family Need It?

Do you know the difference between the Saul in the Old Testament and the Saul in the New Testament?

Do you know where the second mention of King Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace is mentioned in the Bible?

If you do, kudos to you! You’ve got chops.

If you don’t know the answers that’s okay, a whole lot of other people don’t either. The good news is you don’t have to stay in the dark forever. You can learn the answers to these questions and so many more with just a little biblical literacy.

What in the world?

I know, it’s kind of an interesting phrase, biblical literacy. So, what does it mean?

The simple answer is, knowing what’s inside the Bible and understanding it.

The word literacy commonly means the ability to read and write. It also means possession of education or a person’s knowledge in a particular area.

In this case, biblical literacy is more than just being able to read the Bible. It also points to having knowledge about what’s inside the Bible, between the covers, having a firm grasp of what it means, understanding the context and how it fits into the salvation story.

Okay, so we can probably agree reading the Bible is easy. Understanding what it means and why it’s important is a whole other ball game.

The importance of biblical literacy

When a friend asks you for a recommendation for a good hairdresser or a dentist do you go to the phonebook, open it up, close your eyes, and point to a name?

Well, no, because nobody owns a phonebook anymore. So, duh.

But you don’t just open your phone and pick someone at random either. You give your friend a recommendation for someone you know and trust, someone with whom you have a history, and from whom you’ve received good service and quality care.

We recommend people we know, with whom we have a relationship. We develop relationships through interacting with one another and by spending quality time together. Yes, even quality time with our dentists.

You’re a Christ-follower. You’ve been called to share the Good News of Jesus with other people. But do you have a relationship with Him because of the interactions you’ve had and the quality time you’ve spent together?

Do you know His story? Can you tell someone you care about how He saved His chosen people out of slavery and why? Or why Peter had a dream about a sheet coming down from heaven containing all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds?

When you started reading this post you may have thought to yourself, “Why do I need to know the difference between the Saul of the Old Testament and the Saul of the New Testament?”

The answer is not so you can answer trivia questions.

The answer is because all of history is a love story about how much God loves you, and me, and every person who has ever lived and how He wants to offer all of us salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ, his son. These two men, the Sauls, are a part of that story and each plays a role in it.

Knowing what’s in God’s story is biblical literacy.

It’s the pathway by which anyone can have a deep, meaningful relationship with God, after they’ve accepted His offer of salvation, and can then use it to recommend Him to others.

Remember, we all recommend who we know well and with whom we have experienced a positive relationship. It doesn’t matter if you are a mom, dad, grandparent, teen, auntie, or friend.

We can only heartily recommend people we’ve taken the time to get to know, even the Creator of the Universe.

How do we get biblical literacy?

The short answer is to read your Bible.

The long answer is to read your Bible so that it’s the one book you own that you know a ton of information about.

• You know how it’s divided up
• You know the names of the key players in the story and where they fit on the historical timeline
• You know where to find the most popular stories in the book
• You know the book so well you know what’s NOT in there

None of this happens by setting the book next to your bed or on a shelf in your room. You have to actually open it up and read it.

It also doesn’t happen by reading a devotional. Sure, you’ll get some scripture and some good thoughts to chew on, but there is a difference between reading a devotional book and reading your Bible. Biblical literacy comes through reading your Bible.

For some of you reading this, it’s a no-brainer. Like, duh. But for others of you, this is a scary prospect.

Let me just stop you right there. Reading the Bible is not scary. You can do it and you should.

Take a look at this graphic from The Barna Group:

As you can see, 34% of people read the Bible at least once a week. That sounds all nice and good until you realize it’s barely above the 29% of people who never read the Bible. And what about the 37% who read it between once a month and less than once a year?

I would contend that the number that needs to grow on this list is the 5% number represented by Four+ (4-6) times per week. If that number tripled all kinds of amazing things could happen. I have no problem aiming high!

Biblical literacy for families

The title of this post is “What is biblical literacy and why does your family need it?” So, why do all of you need it? It’s not just to send your teens out into the world with a firm foundation, although that’s a pretty good reason. It’s because your purpose in life and the purpose of your kids is to know God and make Him known.

It’s a pretty simple life purpose statement, and it applies to everyone. But how are people going to know Him if you don’t share Him? How are they going to know Him if you don’t know Him yourself?

It’s going to take biblical literacy, knowledge about the Bible, and an understanding of why it’s important. It’s going to take you and your spouse and your kids, your whole family. You can do this!

Steps to get started

If you are unsure about where to start  I can help.

Grab your Bible and read the first chapter of Luke. Tomorrow, read chapter two. If it’s a weekday after that, read the next chapter. On the weekend, read the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds with the date. If it’s the tenth of the month, read Proverbs 10.

If you already read your Bible four to six times per week, I’d like to invite you to join me for the SEED Project. (Even if you don’t read it that much, you’re invited.)

I am dedicated to enhancing everyone’s biblical literacy so I’m releasing information each month via my email newsletter that will help do just that. I’d love to have you join me.

You can sign up HERE or use the form at the bottom of this post.

Biblical literacy is for everyone who claims to be a Christ-follower. Knowing what’s between the covers of your Bible isn’t hard, but it does take effort. If you put in a little each day it will add up to knowing more than you ever thought possible. The more you know about the one who created you, the more you’ll want to share Him with others and the more they’ll listen.

People listen and respond to those who know what they’re talking about.

Click graphic to see all the videos on YouTube

The best part about gaining biblical literacy is that it can only benefit you. There are no downsides to going after it with all you’ve got. God says in Isaiah 55:10-11

The rain and snow come down from the heavens

and stay on the ground to water the earth.

They cause the grain to grow,

producing seed for the farmer

and bread for the hungry.

It is the same with my word.

I send it out, and it always produces fruit.

It will accomplish all I want it to,

and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

No downside because the Word of God always produces fruit. I want some of that. Don’t you?

Are you ready to gain some biblical literacy?

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

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