Romans 8:13-16 (NIV) highlights the contrast between living by sinful nature (leading to death) and living by the Spirit (leading to life and sonship). Believers are urged to put to death misdeeds, empowered by the Spirit to live as adopted children of God, directly addressing Him as "Abba, Father".
Becoming a child of GOD is achieved through faith in JESUS CHRIST, receiving Him as Saviour, and being "born again" spiritually. According to the Bible, this process involves believing in JESUS' name, repenting of sins, and receiving the right to be adopted into GOD's family by being obedient to His Commandments.
THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT
Jesus was asked: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied:"
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
Duties Toward GOD (Commandments 1–4). These focus on the vertical relationship between humanity and GOD, focusing on loyalty, worship, and reverence.
1. No other gods: You shall have no other gods before me.
2. No idols: You shall not make or worship graven images.
3. Lord's Name: You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.
4. Sabbath: Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
Put together, this is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'
Part 2: Duties Toward Neighbors (Commandments 5–10). These focus on the horizontal relationship between people, emphasizing ethical behaviour and community harmony.
5. Parents: Honour your father and your mother (often included in the first table as honouring authority delegated by God).
6. Murder: You shall not murder.
7. Adultery: You shall not commit adultery.
8. Stealing: You shall not steal.
9. False Witness: You shall not bear false witness.
10. Coveting: You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, house, or property.
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments," (Mathew 22:36-40, Amp).Jesus’ commandments center on love, prioritizing the Great Commandment to love God and love others as oneself. Key commands include loving enemies, forgiving others, practicing humility, and fulfilling the spiritual intent of the Mosaic law. These teachings emphasize internal righteousness and servant-hearted actions over external rituals. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key Commandments of Jesus (from the Gospels)
Love God: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.
Love Your Neighbor: Love your neighbor as yourself.
The New Commandment: Love one another as I (Jesus) have loved you.
-Love Your Enemies: Pray for and bless those who persecute you.
-Forgive Others: Forgive others their transgressions to be forgiven by God.
-Do Not Worry: Seek first the kingdom of God, rather than worrying about physical needs.
-Do Not Judge: Judge not, that you be not judged.
-Repent and Believe: Repent and believe the gospel.
-Make Disciples: Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them.
-Be Perfect: Be perfect (mature/complete) as your heavenly Father is perfect. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]
