AY Honors/Bible Marking/Answer Key
1. a. Name five different methods of Bible Marking. b. Explain how each method would be used. c. List advantages and disadvantages of each.
1. Chain Reference
In this method, you first choose a topic and come up with a very short key for it. For instance, "Salvation by Grace" might become "SbG" or even "SG". Then you find a blank page either near the front or near the back of your Bible and write the title, the key, and the first reference, such as Col 2:14. You then turn to that reference in the Bible, and in the margin near the first reference, you write the key plus the reference to the next verse. Continue doing this until you annotate the final verse with the key and the letter "F" (for "final").
Advantages
- You can give a quick Bible study "on the spot."
- It's a good way to become familiar with the Bible.
- It's an effective way to become familiar with a topic.
- You can buy preprinted sheets of stickers for the references on certain topics.
Disadvantages
- You cannot change the order of study.
- If you lose your place, you have to start over from the beginning.
- Sometimes the pre-preinted stickers can fall out.
2. Color Code
Choose a color for the topic. As you read your Bible, when you come across a passage having to do with that topic, you mark a line down the margin starting where that topic begins, and ending where the topic ends. If the passage has a subheading and the entire passage has to do with the topic, underline the subheading with that color.
Advantages
- Good for ongoing study of the Bible.
- Colors stand out.
- Gives a good overview of a topic.
Disadvantages
- The number of distinct colors will limit the number of topics you can mark.
- You have to have the right color marker with you when you come across a reference.
- Too many colors or an overmarked Bible will render the annotations useless.
- Not good for a sequential study - such as where a prophecy is made and where its fulfillment is recorded.
