The fourth and final discipline of the Figure 8 system is the act of testing out. Though the Figure 8 system utilizes personal discipline, it also demands accountability. The shortest road to failure in the race of Scripture memory is lack of accountability. Therefore, it is essential that you find someone with whom to share this practice of Scripture memory. The best accountability partner is someone who is willing to work hard and encourage you to work hard. We have found that those who work to memorize Scripture without such a partner, struggle greatly. We suggest that you encourage a Christian friend, co-worker, spouse, or relative to join you in your Scripture memory journey. This person will be a great encouragement and help to you in using the Figure 8 system; especially when it comes time to test out.
The day after each 8-day session should be used as a break from the normal 8-hour plan. Sometime during each day off, the student should recite the most recently completed block(s) from memory to a friend or accountability partner. This is known as testing out. Your partner may provide you with help if needed. Once you successfully test out of a passage, you should resume the normail 8-day schedule by memorizing the next scheduled block. In order to memorize Scripture in manageable chunks, the Figure 8 system only requires memorizing 4 or 5 blocks before testing out. Since the memory schedules require multiple verses to be recited during A.M. and P.M., 4 blocks is a reasonable amount. The only time 5 blocks are scheduled together is to prevent having to memorize 1 block by itself out of context. Once an entire book is memorized, the participant should test out of the schedule by reciting all of the blocks to his accountability partner. Don’t worry, all of this is clearly marked out for you in the various Scripture memory schedules.
Testing out is important because it will help you to remain accountable for the time you are spending in meditation and memorization. It also puts a bit of pressure on you to really memorize Scripture rather than merely becoming familiar with it. It is not necessary for your partner to test out on the same day. Feel free to take an extra day before testing out even if your partner is ready. Also, it is not necessary for your partner to memorize the same material as you. You may be memorizing Colossians while your partner is memorizing 1 John. What is most important is personal accountability and encouragement. If you happen to stumble and forget the next verse, your partner should provide the next starter phrase in order to jog your memory. If you have followed the system and put forth a good effort, you should not need to be reminded more than a couple of times while reciting each block of Scripture. If you find yourself really struggling to recall the material, perhaps you should take a few more days to polish up your memorization and then attempt to test out again. Do not move on to a new block or book without testing out. Giving an account for the work that you have done is rewarding and will inspire you to continue your hard work.
Now you are ready to begin! Our goal in creating this site is to provide everything you need to successfully memorize Scripture. From here, you should find the schedule of a book that excites you, visit the Resource Center, print a Scripture page with Italicized Starter Phrases, and begin using The Figure 8 Scripture Memory System. Also, we would love to hear how it is going so send us feedback whenever you like.
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