Every believer everywhere has need of the Word; to meditate on it, to chew incessantly on the living Word of God. We have need of the Word as soldiers need armour, as men need bread, as sojourners through a dark land need light.
The study of the Word and memorization of scripture is only optional for those who have no care of being lost, hungry, without vision, without hope and without protection in the world.
Here are ten scriptures every believer needs to know by heart:
1. John1:1 and verse 14 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and te Word Was God. 4 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
It makes sense to start this list with a verse that references the beginning, introducing Jesus, the all existent one and his nature: “completely filled with both grace and truth. Our understanding of the beginning and our understanding of the nature of Jesus are both of paramount importance.
2. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
This verse is important as believers need to have an assurance that we are saved. This is extremely important and fundamental to our walk with the Lord. If a man isn’t sure whether or not he is married, his conduct is likely to demonstrate this uncertainty; his wife may not be pleased. This verse is also important to know for the purpose of communicating the gospel.
3. Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
The exclusivity of the gospel is scandalous. This verse conveniently mows down all that may seek to exalt itself, setting Christ apart. This verse will crush cults and clear the air so that a commitment to Christ can be made. It is an important weapon in the armamentarium of the believer.
5) Psalm 27:4 – “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”
This verse represents the importance of meditating on the beauty of the Lord. The supreme value of the first commandment, to love the Lord with every ounce of us. King David invites us all to a holy pursuit of God.
6) Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do
Having committed to Christ, it’s important that we understand that we remain on Earth, and aren’t zapped into heaven, because God has a job to do on us and through us. We are God’s personal project and his agents in the world, doing what He has already decided we should do.
6) Matthew 6:33 - “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
The world wants us to get distracted, building our own kingdoms (the pride of life), filled with the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh. This verse reminds us to focus on that which is important, which will take sacrifice and commitment; understanding that the Lord will meet all our human concerns. This means we are free to forget about ourselves, for the Lord sees us and will take charge of our affairs.
7) James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
This list would not be complete without a verse which conveys the supreme value of suffering in the life of the believer. The Lord’s goal is the maturation of his bride. This will involve testing and endurance; the makings of gold.
8) Ephesians 6:11-12 “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against powers of this world’s darkness and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms.”
When Jesus first described the church he described a battering ram overcoming the powers of the gates of hell. We are at war. Ephesians chapter 6 reminds us that we need our armour and highlights the reality of our intense wrestling with demonic forces in high places. The more we understand with vivid realization the tangibility of the battle in which we operate, the more we will be effective in this world to fulfil the mandate God has given his people as salt and light.
9) Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.”
The believer having been redeemed by the blood of Jesus must commit to regeneration and sanctification by the Holy Spirit. The battle for holiness is in the mind. This is an excellent weapon against the enemy who will launch attacks and try and present thoughts
10) Revelations 22:12 "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
The centrality of the eschatological inclination of the life of the believer cannot be overstressed. The glorious return of the Lord is near. As the bride of Christ, we long with great expectation and anticipation for the second coming of Jesus. We are encouraged to understand that when he comes, he will be carrying his reward with him. That reward is blessing to those who are saved, who have laboured and endured to the end.