5 Bible Reading Plans Perfect for New Believers

Making the decision to read the Bible is one of the most exciting steps in your faith journey. But with 66 books and thousands of years of history, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. The good news is, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A well-chosen Bible reading plan can be your trusted guide, helping you build a life-giving habit from day one.

For new believers, the right plan provides a clear path, builds confidence, and focuses on the foundational truths of the Christian faith. It helps you connect with God’s story in a way that is engaging and achievable. To help you get started, we’ve put together five Bible reading plans that are perfect for new believers.

Why a Curated Plan Matters When You’re Starting Out

Before we dive into the list, it’s important to understand why simply opening to Genesis chapter one and reading straight through might not be the best first step. While reading the entire Bible is a wonderful goal, some of the early books contain detailed laws and genealogies that can be challenging for a new reader.

A curated plan for new believers is intentionally designed to:

• Introduce you to Jesus: He is the center of God’s story.
• Establish a firm foundation: You’ll learn the core concepts of faith and redemption.
• Create positive momentum: Finishing a shorter, focused plan is incredibly motivating!

With that in mind, let’s explore five great starting points for your journey.

1. The Gospel of John (21-Day Plan)

If you only pick one book to start with, make it the Gospel of John. This book was written with a clear purpose: so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

• What you’ll discover: John focuses deeply on the identity of Jesus. You’ll read about His miracles, His “I am” statements, and His profound teachings on love and eternal life. It’s a spiritually rich and deeply personal introduction to the Savior.
• Why it’s great for beginners: At 21 chapters, it’s short and digestible. Reading one chapter a day for three weeks is a very achievable goal that helps you quickly build a consistent reading habit.
• Perfect for: Anyone who wants to understand who Jesus is and what He came to do.

2. The Gospels (40-Day Plan)

Ready for a slightly broader view? A plan that walks you through all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—is a fantastic next step. Each author presents a unique portrait of Jesus’s life and ministry.

• What you’ll discover: You’ll see Jesus as the prophesied King (Matthew), the active Servant (Mark), the compassionate Son of Man (Luke), and the divine Son of God (John). Reading them together provides a beautiful, multi-faceted understanding of His time on earth.
• Why it’s great for beginners: This plan keeps the focus on the most important story in Scripture. A 40- or 60-day timeframe is long enough to build a solid habit but not so long that it feels intimidating.
• Perfect for: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of Jesus’s life, teachings, death, and resurrection.

3. Proverbs (31-Day Plan)

If you’re looking for practical, day-to-day wisdom, look no further than the book of Proverbs. It’s filled with timeless guidance on everything from relationships and finances to integrity and hard work.

• What you’ll discover: Proverbs is a collection of short, memorable sayings that are easy to apply to your daily life. It’s less of a narrative and more of a practical guide for living wisely.
• Why it’s great for beginners: The structure is incredibly simple. With 31 chapters, you can read the chapter that corresponds to the day of the month. It’s a low-pressure way to engage with Scripture daily.
• Perfect for: Anyone seeking practical wisdom and guidance for navigating life’s challenges in a way that honors God.

4. Genesis (40-Day Plan)

To understand the story of salvation, it helps to go back to the very beginning. Genesis is the book of origins—it tells us about creation, the fall of humanity, and the start of God’s covenant relationship with His people.

• What you’ll discover: You’ll read the foundational stories of Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. These narratives are the bedrock upon which the rest of the Bible is built.
• Why it’s great for beginners: The book is primarily narrative, making it engaging and easy to follow. It answers the big “why” questions behind God’s rescue plan for the world.
• Perfect for: Understanding the origins of our faith and the context for the entire biblical story.

5. The New Testament (90-Day Plan)

For those who are ready for a bigger commitment but not yet the entire Bible, a 90-day plan through the whole New Testament is a powerful choice.

• What you’ll discover: Starting with the life of Jesus, you’ll then journey through the birth of the early church in Acts, learn foundational theology from the letters of Paul and other apostles, and end with the prophetic hope of Revelation.
• Why it’s great for beginners: This plan provides a complete overview of Christian doctrine and the story of the church. Completing it gives you an incredible sense of accomplishment and a solid framework for understanding your faith.
• Perfect for: The ambitious beginner who wants a comprehensive grasp of the core of Christianity.

How Bible Plan Generator Can Help

Choosing a plan is the first step, and we’re here to make it as simple as possible. Our web app was designed to help you start and stick with your Bible reading goals.

All the beginner Bible reading plans mentioned above are available in our library of 20+ free curated plans. You can pick one and start tracking your progress in seconds. Each day’s reading includes convenient links to open the passage in YouVersion, BibleGateway, or Blue Letter Bible, using your preferred translation (KJV, ESV, NKJV, or NIV).

As you grow, you can use our custom plan generator to create a plan for any books of the Bible, for any duration you choose. Our tools are completely free to use, because we believe nothing should stand in the way of you connecting with God’s Word.

Starting your journey with Scripture doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing a plan that’s right for you, you can build a consistent habit that will transform your faith.

Explore our curated plans for beginners and find the perfect starting point for your journey today.

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