The new year has started and many have made resolutions to do certain things. One that everyone should do is study their Bible every day.

Take a look at yourself. How often do you study your Bible? Do you study it every day, every other day, once a week, or once a month?

God in his great wisdom has told us to study. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that neededth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Tim. 2:15).

Bible study is a personal thing. In the context of the passage Paul was talking to Timothy, however, the application can be made to all who follow Christ.

On one occasion Jesus said, "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:48).

We must be aware of what the Bible teaches. If we do not know the way to live our lives, how will we be ready for the Day of Judgment? Our destiny will not depend on how much our ancestors knew about the Bible, or how much our spouse knows.

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (II Cor. 5:10).

Now think about it. We are to study God’s word for ourselves, which will enable us to know what God desires of us. If we study and obey we will be approved in the sight of God.

One must understand the divisions of the Bible. While it is all inspired (II Peter 1:20, 21; II Tim. 3:16, 17), not all of it is for man to follow today.

The Bible is divided into the Old and New testaments. The New Testament is what we are to follow today. The Hebrew writer told that the old was a shadow of things to come (Heb. 10:1-22). With the death of Christ, the New Testament was given to man (Heb. 9:11-28).

If we were to keep the old covenant today, we would not be able to have the forgiveness of sins (Heb. 10:1-4; Gal 3:16-4:11). Christ took the old law out of the way (Col. 2:14).

The last will and testament of our Lord shows that we are to study the word. This study of the word develops faith (Rom. 10:17), which leads to repentance (Acts 2:38) and a willingness to confess Christ before men (Matt. 10:32). Then one realizes the need to be baptized for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38).

The word then gives one instruction on how to live the Christian life.

How often do you read your Bible? Make it a daily habit.