First, I color code my Bible topically.

Here is the color coding system I use (mostly for the New Testament):

• Yellow – Salvation and Christian Living (Any passage about what God would have us, as individuals, to do.)
• Orange – Miracles and God (Any passage about what God does.)
• Purple – Sin (Any passage about what we ought not to do.)
• Red – False Doctrines (Any passage that directly refutes a false doctrine. An example would be, “Once Saved Always Saved.” In that example, I would also write “OSAS” in the margin.)
• Green – The Church (Any passage dealing with the nature, organization, or duty of the church).
• Brown – The Law (Any passage dealing with the Old Law).
• Blue – The Second Coming (Any passage dealing with the Day of Judgement, the Second Coming of Christ).

Second, I like to underline or circle these types of words or phrases* in passages:

• Key Words or Phrases
• Repeating Words or Phrases
• Unusual Words or Phrases
• Like/Unlike Words or Phrases
• Hinge Words (words like, “if,” “for,” “but,” etc.)

Occasionally, I will even add a very simple outline in the margin.