Scripture Memory Verses
Twenty-eight verses for the person who wants the case to live in memory, not only in notes. Read the whole paragraph before you memorize the verse, and quote the paragraph when you use it.
Translations are suggestions, not claims that one is inspired. Where a translation obscures a point, the note says so. Compare two when you can.
God's desire for all
| Reference |
Why it matters |
Translation |
| Ezekiel 18:23 |
God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. |
CSB |
| Ezekiel 33:11 |
The same desire, stated as an oath. |
ESV |
| 1 Timothy 2:4 |
God desires all people to be saved. |
ESV |
| 2 Peter 3:9 |
His patience with scoffers is salvific. |
NIV |
| Matthew 23:37 |
Christ would gather; they were not willing. |
ESV |
| Lamentations 3:33 |
God does not afflict from his heart. |
CSB |
The universal offer and provision
| Reference |
Why it matters |
Translation |
| Isaiah 55:1 |
"Come, everyone who thirsts" — without price. |
ESV |
| John 3:16 |
The object of God's love is "the world." |
CSB |
| John 12:32 |
The Son draws "all people" — the verb of John 6:44. |
ESV |
| 1 John 2:2 |
Propitiation "for the whole world." |
NIV |
| Hebrews 2:9 |
He tasted death "for everyone." |
ESV |
| Revelation 22:17 |
The Bible's last invitation is unrestricted. |
ESV |
| Titus 2:11 |
Grace brings salvation "for all people." |
CSB |
| Acts 17:30 |
God commands all everywhere to repent. |
ESV |
Faith, not works
| Reference |
Why it matters |
Translation |
| Romans 4:4–5 |
Faith is credited apart from works, not as a wage. |
ESV |
| Ephesians 2:8–9 |
Grace through faith, "not a result of works." |
ESV |
| Philippians 3:9 |
The righteousness he wants is through faith. |
CSB |
| John 1:12 |
Receiving him is the human act; the new birth is God's. |
ESV |
| John 5:40 |
"You refuse to come" — unbelief as refusal. |
ESV |
| John 6:40 |
The Father's will: everyone who believes has life. |
ESV |
Warnings and perseverance
| Reference |
Why it matters |
Translation |
| John 15:6 |
Branches that do not abide are thrown out. |
ESV |
| Romans 11:20–22 |
Broken off "because of unbelief"; continue in kindness. |
NIV |
| 1 Corinthians 9:27 |
Paul disciplines himself "lest I be disqualified." |
ESV |
| Hebrews 3:12–14 |
Perseverance is exhorted, not assumed. |
ESV |
| 2 Peter 2:20–21 |
The last state of the apostate is worse. |
ESV |
The grief of God
| Reference |
Why it matters |
Translation |
| Genesis 6:6 |
God was "grieved to his heart." |
CSB |
| Judges 10:16 |
He became impatient over Israel's misery. |
ESV |
| Psalm 78:40 |
Israel "grieved him in the wilderness." |
ESV |
| Isaiah 63:10 |
They "grieved his Holy Spirit." |
ESV |
| Luke 19:41 |
Jesus wept over the city that refused him. |
ESV |
How to use these
Learn one group at a time. Say the verse aloud, then the paragraph around it. In conversation, give the reference and the context in one breath: "In John 12:32, while speaking of his death, Jesus says..." A verse without its context is a slogan, and slogans do not persuade.
See also