Starting Your Journey in Scripture: Answers to Your Biggest Questions (KJV)

Feeling called to study the Bible but unsure where to begin? You’re not alone. Questions like “Where do I start?”, “What do I do?”, or “How do I know what’s true?” can make the first step intimidating. The good news? God’s Word is clear and powerful, especially when you understand His plan for today. We’re living in the dispensation of the age of grace, a truth often overlooked by mainstream Christianity.

That is why we are launching this new series, Your Questions About Studying Scripture Answered, designed to guide beginners using the King James Version (KJV) Bible. We will tackle, at minimum, five common questions to help you study with confidence and clarity, focusing on the truth of God’s grace dispensed through the apostle Paul.

 

Where Do I Start For Successful Bible Study?

The Bible is a vast book, and 2 Timothy 3:16 states: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” With that, we know that all scripture is profitable but how do we know where to start?

Without question, start with Salvation and Paul’s epistles (Romans through Philemon). They are foundational for understanding how God is working today, in the dispensation of the age of Grace (see Ephesians 3:1-5). So, begin at the beginning of Paul’s epistles, the book of Romans.

Why start here? Because Romans lays out God’s plan for salvation through faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Romans 1:16 (KJV) declares. Paul’s gospel reveals the mystery of God’s grace, which is essential for believers today.

Practical Tip: Begin with Romans 1, reading one chapter a day. Pray for understanding, asking God to reveal the truth of His grace.

 

What Do I Even Do To Ensure I Understand Scripture?

Studying Scripture means engaging with God’s Word to grasp His will for this dispensation. It starts with understanding salvation—by faith alone in Christ’s finished work—and recognizing how God operates today through grace, not works. Reading, taking notes, and praying are key, but you must also seek sources aligned with the truth of the age of grace.

Scriptural Guidance: Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) states, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Salvation comes through believing in Christ’s resurrection power, not human effort.

Practical Steps:

• Read Actively: Focus on Paul’s epistles to understand salvation and grace.
• Take Notes: Write down verses about faith, grace, and salvation to reinforce the truth.
• Pray for Clarity: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, as promised in 1 Corinthians 2:13 (KJV): “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth.”
• Choose Aligned Sources: Seek teachers who emphasize the dispensation of grace and salvation through faith alone, avoiding those who mix works with grace, as Galatians 5:4 warns: ‘Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.’

 

How Do I Study The Bible?

Effective Bible study in this age of grace involves a topical approach, focusing on key doctrines like salvation, faith, and the gospel of grace found in Paul’s epistles. A helpful method is the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer), adapted for topical study.

• Scripture: Select verses on a topic, like salvation (e.g., Romans 3:23-24).
• Observation: Note what the passage teaches about faith, grace, or God’s plan.
• Application: Reflect on how this truth shapes your trust in Christ’s finished work.
• Prayer: Pray to live by faith, not works, in light of what you’ve learned.

Why This Works: 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) urges, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth.” Topical study helps you rightly divide this Truth by focusing on the concept and the timing throughout the scripture.

Practical Tip: Start with the topic of salvation. Gather verses like Romans 5:1 and Ephesians 2:8-9, and use the SOAP method to study them over a week.

If you would like further guidance on topical study, you can find valuable resources here.

 

What Do I Need For Bible Study?

You don’t need a theology degree to study God’s Word. Here’s what you do need:

• A Bible (KJV): The King James Version is a faithful translation, perfect for studying. Use a physical Bible or a free KJV app or website.
• A Notebook and Pen: Writing helps you track insights and keep your thoughts and verses you visit organized.
• A Humble Heart: Romans 15:4 (KJV) says, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Approach Scripture with a desire to learn God’s truth.

Optional Tools:

• A concordance (like Strong’s) for word studies.
• A study KJV Bible with cross-references to connect Paul’s teachings.
• Resources like Truth Matters topical study guides, which have been proven to provide a deeper understanding of the word, or other materials from teachers who rightly divide the Word. i.e. Grace Ambassadors.

Practical Tip: Begin with a KJV Bible and a notebook. Explore trusted resources as you grow.

 

How Do I Know Who’s Right When It Comes To Scripture?

With countless voices claiming to teach truth, how do you discern what aligns with God’s Word? Test everything you hear against Scripture. Make sure they are perfectly aligned. If who you are learning from does not know what the mystery that has been revealed in scripture is, chances are they do not understand how God is currently working.

Scriptural Standard: Acts 17:11 (KJV) praises the Bereans, who “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Like them, verify all teachings with the Bible.

Practical Steps:

• Check the Source: Does the teacher emphasize salvation by faith alone, as Paul teaches, or do they add works?
• Test the Fruit: Matthew 7:15-16 (KJV) warns, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Does the teacher back up everything they say with scripture? Does it purely reflect biblical truth?
• Seek God’s Guidance: Pray for discernment, trusting the Holy Spirit to lead you.

Warning: Beware of teachings that contradict the gospel of grace, like those exposed in our post “6 False Teachings in Christianity Exposed (KJV)”.

 

Your Next Steps For Growing In Christ

Studying Scripture is both a journey and a race, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:24 (KJV): “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” Run with purpose by focusing on the gospel of grace in Paul’s epistles. Start small, stay faithful, be consistent, and trust God to guide you. In this series, we’ll explore:

• Studying key doctrines like salvation and grace topically.
• Identifying teachers who rightly divide the Word.
• Living out the truth of faith in everyday life.
• Building a consistent study habit for spiritual growth.
• And more.

Take the first step today: open your KJV Bible to Romans 1, read a chapter, and pray that God will give you increase.

 

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We’d love to hear from you! What questions do you have about studying the Bible?Share them in the comments, and stay tuned for the next post in this series.