Is having a system of Bible reading legalistic?

I believe that the answer to this is NO!

That is of course, unless you apply it legalistically! ;-)

I think there is way to much confusion these days between Godly order (or having a disciplined life that releases us into blessing)and legalism. It seems that anything with a degree of systematisation to it is automatically seen as being legalistic by many. This is absurd and unhelpful.

Legalism is that which seeks to displace the Gospel of Grace with a Law based, moralistic approach to EARN God's favour and approval and our subsequent identity. The book of Galatians is the most helpful study in the dangers of legalism. You cannot and do not earn God's love and position as a son - this is the gift of God through the death and resurrection of Jesus. We receive Him and this gift by faith as an act of mercy and grace.

Back to Bible study/reading.

Having some method to reading is not a bad thing, it is a good thing. I do believe though that we should allow such methods or tools to be our servant and not our master. Many of us are less disciplined these days and probably need a certain degree of planning and structure in our lives though in order to stay 'full of the Word'

If you have any thoughts on this issue do leave a comment. I am leaving you though with a link to a suggested Bible reading program for 2012 and some advise form Bible teacher Michael Eaton
BIBLE READING SUGGESTED FORMAT

Happy New Year!

Jason