My brand-new brown and pink Bible sat on my bed in front of me. I flipped through the various books of the Bible, feeling a touch overwhelmed. As a new believer who hadn’t grown up going to Sunday school every week, I knew I wanted to study the Bible and seek God in his Word. But I wasn’t sure where to start. Thankfully, God placed other believers in my life to guide me.

Sometimes we need someone to come alongside us and remove the guesswork. I’d love to be that person for you. If you’re new to reading the Bible, here are three books that establish a basic understanding of God’s Word and the gospel while also deepening your faith.

Study the Gospel of John

Out of the four Gospel accounts, the book of John is the most inviting. It has a way of drawing the reader in to ponder powerful theological truths. 

John begins at the beginning, telling us Jesus is the Word that spoke creation into existence, becoming the Word made flesh—he is the true and full revelation of God (John 1:1–3, 14). Jesus’ authority over illness, sin, demons, and the hearts of all people is clear as he heals the sick and forgives sin (John 5:1–17, 27). He declares to his opponents that the very Scriptures they cling to “bear witness” about him (John 5:39).

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares himself the Lamb of God, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Good Shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life, and the true Vine (John 1:29; 6:35; 8:12; 10:11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1). Jesus is gentle, kind, gracious, and merciful to those who trust in him. He weeps with those who are grieving and prays for his followers (John 11:33–35; 17:9).

Have you ever wondered what the Father is like? Look to the Son. Jesus is the “exact imprint of his nature” (Heb. 1:3). The character of God is on full display in the Gospel of John. Reading John is a great first step for a new Christian because it will help you know your Savior more and deepen your faith in him. 

Study an Epistle: Ephesians

In the New Testament, there are twenty-one letters (called epistles) written to various churches and people. Ephesians is a great epistle to study first because it takes a deep dive into the gospel and its implications for us. It overflows with truth about who we are in Christ, our blessings through Christ, and how this should affect our lives as his church. 

We learn that we have been blessed with “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Eph. 1:3), including election and adoption through Christ (Eph.1:4–5). Though we were dead in our sin, God “made us alive together with Christ” (Eph. 2:1–8). 

Ephesians 4–6 detail what our new life in Christ, empowered by the Spirit, should look like—how we should pursue unity in the body of Christ, bearing with each other in love and seeking to build each other up into the Head, Jesus (Eph. 4:1–16). 

Ephesians clearly presents the gospel and how to live in light of its truth so the new believer can understand salvation and live to the glory of God. 

Study Where It All Began: Genesis

God has always been and always will be, but you and I were created. Genesis stirs our hearts to be in awe of our Creator and reminds us that he is the Potter and we are mere clay. 

Studying Genesis after John can help you see God and his plans with new eyes. It sheds light on the bigger picture of what God was doing all along: saving a people for himself through the life, death, and resurrection of his Son. 

Genesis reveals God’s heart for his people and his holy, just, and steadfast nature. God creates all things, promises a Savior will come, and provides clothing for Adam and Eve after they sin (Gen. 1–2; 3:15; 3:21). He spares Noah and his family in the flood, scatters nations, calls Abram (Abraham), protects Sarai, comforts Hagar, and rescues Lot (Gen. 7–8; 11:1–9; 12:1–3; 12:10–20; 16:7–13; 19:1–22). He keeps his promise of a son for Abraham, wrestles with Jacob, and uses Joseph’s suffering for good to build the faith of his people in his faithfulness (Gen. 21:1–7; 32:22–32; 47–50). 

God is still faithful today—to you, to me, and to all who call upon the name of the Lord to be saved. In the years to come, you will witness God’s providence in your life in ways that will leave you breathless. His steadfast love toward you as his child despite your sin will cause your face to touch the ground in worship. He has been faithful to his people across centuries, and he will be faithful to you. Studying Genesis will reorient your heart toward this truth as you start your journey with the amazing God who created you, called you to himself, and gave you new life through his Son.

Dig Into Your Bible

Though these three books are what I’d recommend to a new believer, there is no “right” place to start. Every book of the Bible is beneficial to us for growth in Christ (2 Tim. 3:16). Whether you choose to study a book I’ve suggested or a different one, the Holy Spirit is your guide (John 16:13–14). He guides us as we read, opening our eyes to Jesus on the pages, convicting us of sin, and comforting our hearts. Let’s dig in.