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The Power and Purpose of Scripture Memorization
By Andrew M. Davis
This article is part of our Scripture for All of Life series.
There are numerous spiritual benefits to the memorization of Scripture. A proper assessment of these benefits begins with understanding the role of the written Word of God in our lives and in our spiritual growth.
First of all, our salvation begins in our souls by the gospel of Jesus Christ. By hearing and believing the words of the gospel, we are born again (John 3:3) and justified by faith in Christ (Gal. 2:16). Saving faith comes to individual sinners by hearing the word of Christ (Rom. 10:17). So the Word of God is essential to our salvation from the very beginning.
But Scripture also reveals that the way we make progress in our Christian faith is the same way we begin—by hearing God’s Word with faith (Col. 2:6–7).
Once we have come to life spiritually through faith in Christ, I believe that God has set before every Christian two infinite journeys: the internal journey of growth in holiness and the external journey of evangelism and missions.
Foundational to both of those journeys is the ongoing work of the Word of God within us. By the Word of God alone, we make progress toward Christlike holiness, and by the Word alone, we win lost people to Christ.
The Internal Journey: Sanctification
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:4
Every word from the mouth of God is written in only one place: the Bible. According to the apostle Peter, we have an ongoing responsibility to:
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 3:18
“Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge.”
2 Peter 1:5
Growth in the Lord is called sanctification—the process by which we become more like Jesus Christ and more separated from the world. Christ says that happens by the Word of God:
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
John 17:17
The Word of God must enter through our minds to change our hearts. Meditation on Scripture deepens understanding and transforms us.
Memorization helps this process tremendously. Though distinct from meditation, it supports it, making lifetime reflection possible and bringing insight in unexpected moments.
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.”
Psalm 119:9“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 119:11
The renewing of our minds comes through Scripture, helping us think as God thinks:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”
Romans 12:2“We have the mind of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 2:16
This transformation blesses others. Memorization allows us to:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”
Colossians 3:16
Pastors, in particular, benefit by memorizing entire books of the Bible. Sermon preparation becomes deeper and more efficient when Scripture is already in your heart.
“When judgment day comes, we will regret the waste of a single moment not used for the glory of Christ.”
Decades of memorization continue to yield new insights. The Word truly is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). These insights nourish others through preaching and counsel, and demonstrate the stunning coherence of Scripture.
Beyond formal ministry, stored Scripture empowers everyday biblical counseling:
- For those battling secret sins
- Those in depression or despair
- Struggling marriages and parenting trials
- Any crisis met with the wisdom of God’s Word
The External Journey: Evangelism
Memorizing Scripture strengthens evangelism. The gospel is:
“The power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”
Romans 1:16
“Always [be] prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
1 Peter 3:15
Memorized verses prepare us to explain salvation clearly:
“Wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 3:15“That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ… and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John 20:31
With gospel stories memorized—like the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2:1–12—you can communicate with clarity and authority. Memorized Scripture from Paul’s epistles further grounds your gospel explanation.
In short, Scripture memorization makes one a much more powerful and effective evangelist.
Final Reflections
Other benefits of memorization include:
- Power and intimacy in prayer
- Comfort in trials and bereavement
- Heavenly-mindedness
- Conviction over sin
- The fruit of the Spirit
- Redeeming time wisely
“We will not regret a single moment spent storing God’s Word in our hearts. We will only wish we had invested more.”
Notes
- See Andrew M. Davis, An Infinite Journey: Growing toward Christlikeness (Bingley, UK: Emerald, 2014). The journey in holiness and evangelism are infinite because they require God’s infinite power and have eternal impact. Though they will be completed, they are not finished in this lifetime.
- This article is adapted from How to Memorize Scripture for Life: From One Verse to Entire Books by Andrew M. Davis. Used with permission from Crossway.
Source: Crossway
🧭 Explore more articles in the Scripture for All of Life series.
Andrew M. Davis (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Durham, North Carolina, and the founder of Two Journeys Ministry. He is also a visiting professor of church history at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a council member of the Gospel Coalition, and a former trustee of the International Mission Board. He is the author of several books, including The Power of Christian Contentment. He and his wife, Christi, reside in Bahama, North Carolina, and have five children and three grandchildren. For more resources from Andy, visit twojourneys.org.
