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Becoming a new Christian is the most exciting adventure you can begin. It’s a journey of discovery, filled with hope and a new sense of purpose. One of the first and most important steps on this journey is opening the Bible for yourself, perhaps for the very first time.
But that first step can also feel a little daunting. With so many different translations and editions, how do you choose your first Bible? The goal is to find a companion for your journey that is welcoming, clear, and easy to understand—a Bible that will build you up, not confuse you.
If you’re looking for that perfect first Bible, this guide is for you. We’ve curated a list of the 5 best Bibles specifically for new believers, designed to help you start your reading journey with confidence and joy.
The best Bible for a new believer is an easy-to-read "thought-for-thought" translation, with the NLT Life Application Study Bible being the top choice for its clarity and exceptionally helpful notes that explain how Scripture applies to everyday life.
At a Glance: The Best Bibles for Your New Faith Journey
The 5 Best Bibles for New Believers
1. The NLT Life Application Study Bible
Best for: The all-in-one perfect start.
If you could only choose one Bible for a new believer, this would be it. It combines two essential features for a fresh start. First, the New Living Translation (NLT), which is widely considered the warmest and easiest-to-read of the major translations. Second, the world-famous Life Application notes. These notes are a game-changer for a new Christian because they don't just explain history; they answer the question, "What does this mean for me today?" It’s like having a wise and friendly mentor guiding you through the text.
- Why it makes the list: It's the complete package: an easy-to-read translation plus the most practical and encouraging study notes available.
- Perfect for: Anyone who is new to faith and has lots of questions.
Our #1 Recommendation for a New Believer: NLT Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition
"This is the best Bible that I've got. Easy to read and I love the study part which brings it into everyday life and challenges you. I bought one for my daughter as well." ★★★★★
2. The NIV Bible
Best for: A balanced, popular, and reliable choice.
The New International Version (NIV) is the world's bestselling modern English Bible, and the translation you are most likely to hear in a UK church. It masterfully balances a commitment to the original text with a clear, contemporary writing style. It's a fantastic, reliable choice that is easy to read and perfect for following along with sermons or joining a small group.
- Why it makes the list: It's the most popular, trusted, and versatile modern translation—a true "safe bet."
- Perfect for: A new believer who wants a great all-round Bible for personal reading and church life.
Our Top Recommendation for an All-Rounder: NIV Bibles
3. The Message (MSG)
Best for: A fresh, contemporary, and engaging read.
The Message is a paraphrase by pastor Eugene Peterson. His goal was to capture the energy and conversational feel of the original languages in modern, everyday English. For a new believer, reading The Message can be a brilliant way to get a feel for the "big story" of the Bible without getting bogged down in difficult passages. It reads like a modern novel and can make Scripture feel incredibly alive and relevant.
- Why it makes the list: It's the most contemporary and conversational version of the Bible available, perfect for a fresh start.
- Perfect for: A new believer who has previously found the Bible intimidating or "boring."
Our Top Recommendation for a Fresh Perspective: The Message
4. The NIV Bible in One Year
Best for: Building a consistent daily habit.
One of the biggest challenges for a new believer is knowing what to read each day. The One Year Bible solves this problem completely. It divides the entire Bible into 365 daily readings, each taking just 15 minutes to complete. It provides a clear, achievable structure that helps new Christians build a sustainable and life-giving habit of daily Bible reading.
- Why it makes the list: It removes all the friction from starting a daily reading plan.
- Perfect for: The new believer who is eager to build a daily Bible reading habit.
Our Top Recommendation for Building a Habit: The NIV Bible in One Year
"My partner and I have a copy each and we read this bible daily together. We have learnt so much from just reading since August and want to thank Nicky and Pippa Gumbel. I wish I knew about this Bible earlier in my life. I highly recommend it to anyone who wish to understand the scriptures and its application to life." ★★★★★
5. The NIV Journaling Bible
Best for: The new believer with lots of questions.
Becoming a new Christian means you're going to have questions, thoughts, and reflections. A Journaling Bible is a wonderful tool for this season because it gives you space to process what you're reading. These Bibles have extra-wide, lightly-lined margins on each page, perfect for jotting down notes, prayers, or questions as they arise, creating a personal record of your new journey.
- Why it makes the list: It provides a dedicated space for a new believer to engage with the text.
- Perfect for: The inquisitive or creative new Christian.
Our Top Recommendation for the Inquisitive Believer: NIV Illuminated Bible - Wide Margin Art Journaling Edition
"I am so pleased I purchased this Bible to study alongside other Bibles. The text is easy to read, and the margins are good for notes. The artwork is simply beautiful. Very pleased and would recommend." ★★★★★
You've Got Your First Bible. Now What?
Getting your first Bible is so exciting! Here are three simple tips to get you started on the right foot:
- Start in the Right Place. Don't feel you have to start at Genesis 1:1! A much better place to begin is the Gospel of John. It's a book all about the life of Jesus and is a perfect introduction to the heart of your new faith.
- Give Yourself Grace. You won't understand everything at first, and that's completely okay. The goal isn't to become an expert overnight, but simply to get to know God better.
- Read a Little, Often. It's much better to read for 10 minutes every day than for two hours once a month. Consistency is the key to building a new and life-giving habit.
Welcome to the adventure!
Our Bible Finder can give you a recommendation in just a few clicks.
Still not sure which Bible is right for you? You can learn more in our complete, free 97-page ebook, 'How to Choose Your Bible'.
