The Central Teaching Of Jesus Christ

[Guest]

Well; I am not one of those fancy exegesis guys, but it has ocurred to me as I have been studying my Bible for a number of years that there must be a single, over-riding message that Jesus taught/is trying to teach us, in the Bible.

I am sure that we have all seen various Book or Chapter summaries of different sections of the Bible, perhaps, also story or passage summaries taken from the Bible too?

In this topic; I thought it would be interesting to explore with others, what the one, major teaching is, for the whole Bible; as depicted in the earthly ministry of Christ. What one thing did Jesus want to teach us the most?

I have formed an opinion; and I have posted this opinion on a Catholic Forum. The answers I am getting there are sure interesting. But I have an opinion which I am willing to share in this post, without explanations, until a future post. I would like to see what Adventists would say to this question.

To me; the central teaching of Christ is that

Quote:

---

"God is Love;" and "Love never fails." (1 Jo.4:8, 1 Cor.13:8).

---

I have reasons in my mind for my choice; and I will look forward to hearing from others on this. Hope you all have/had a great Sabbath today!

[Stan]

His self proclaimed mission in Math 26 is that he came to free the oppressed...

[David Koot]

Quote:

---

Stan Jensen said:

His self proclaimed mission in Math 26 is that he came to free the oppressed...

---

Amen to that! Implied in His various names and titles:

'Jesus,' (Yeshua) deliverer

'Savior'

'Christ'

etc.

[melvin mccarty]

You could add to that.."Love one another as I have loved you". That's the hard part!

mel

[Nicodema]

I have always perceived the central teaching of Jesus to be simply that: Love one another.

As I have experienced other religions, spiritual systems, etc. it has occurred to me that this may be why Christianity (true Christianity, not stupid politicized self-serving "churchianity") is such a "stumbling stone and rock of offense" spiritually. Many people go on spiritual journeys to "find themselves" or to contact something higher/greater/whatever. (Self included -- I've "been there done that" too.) And many religions and spiritual systems offer deep esoteric teachings, inner realizations, higher gnosis, etc. etc. which seem to satisfy those cravings. But Christianity -- that is, the teaching of Christ -- really isn't about transcendence or self-realization. It's not about finding yourself or transcending your human condition. It's about living in the here and now and being content to be merely human, though loved and forgiven. The focus is not on great wondrous insights or deep knowledge or higher awareness, but simply on what we do day to day and most specifically, how we treat others. Nothing more, nothing less: how we treat each other.

That's it, that's the whole sh-bang, and anything that purports to elevate us to some exalted plane but breaks the total firm simplicity of "love one another" is ultimately a sham, no matter how exotic, esoteric, or wondrous it may seem.

Wow.

[Guest]

Quote:

---

Nicodema said:

I have always perceived the central teaching of Jesus to be simply that:

Love one another.

---

Quote:

---

As I have experienced other religions, spiritual systems, etc. it has occurred to me that this may be why Christianity (true Christianity, not stupid politicized self-serving "churchianity") is such a "stumbling stone and rock of offense" spiritually.

---

LOL...Is "churchianity" something like "insanity?"

I think the statements above re "love one another" are on the right track; but I wonder: Is this it? Does it all stop there? Could this simply be classed as one of the results of Christianity; but not really THE CENTRAL TEACHING?

[Michelle]

No, I would agree with Nico--Love. Weren't the 10 commandments boiled down to two--love your God and love your neighbors? Didn't Jesus say Love Your Enemies? Paul preaches about this love again and again. I see everything boiling down to this.

M

[Guest]

Quote:

---

Stan Jensen said:

His self proclaimed mission in Math 26 is that he came to free the oppressed...

---

I agree Stan. The ministry of Jesus did proclaim a certain message.

I believe that my statement here of the central teaching of Christ takes nothing away from that message; or from the requirement to obey God; or from the all-sufficient merits of His Sacrifice on Calvary. "All-sufficient" in my case meaning, sufficient to cover any sin by anyone who truly repents.

I understand it all to mean how that there is only one, great, central truth, as we study the Scriptures: "Christ and Him crucified." All other truths are invested with power and influence, according to their relation to this theme.

This is why we can sum it all up by saying: "God Is Love;" and "Love Never Fails." I mean, really, who can undo Calvary??

Quote:

---

Rom.8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from

the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

---

"The love of God" can only be Christ and Him crucified, as referred to in this text from Rom.8

How does this all read to you?

[Aliensanctuary]

Jesus, I believe, came here for several reasons.

1. To teach/show us what God is like (God is Love).

2. To teach us what we must do to be a part of his kingdom (Love God first, others next, ourselves last; in other words, obey his commandments).

3. To qualify himself to be the ruler of Earth, since Adam disqualified himself, forever. To do this, Jesus had to become human.

4. To initiate the process of removing our repented-of evil acts and thoughts from our life records.

His main purpose for coming here was to teach us how to become members of his future kingdom. Since no one in his kindom will hate or harm each other, or be selfish, his most important teaching, as mentioned above, is all about love, loving God, giving him %100 allegiance, and, loving others so much that we would rather die than harm them in any way.

This is the only way to prevent the recurrence of selfishness and evil, following its destruction by fire, in the future kingdom. Only those willing to die for God, or sacrifice themselves for the good of others, in obedience to God, are worthy to join his kingdom. They are the only ones who can get along with each other, and not complain about God's government, forever. All others need not apply.

[Guest]

Quote:

---

Aliensanctuary said:

Jesus, I believe, came here for several reasons.

3. To qualify himself to be the ruler of Earth, since Adam disqualified himself, forever. To do this, Jesus had to become human.

---

What Scripture reference/s would you use to support this statement? Was not Jesus Ruler of Earth before His Incarnation?

[Aliensanctuary]

Adam, as I understand it, handed over control of this world to Satan when he fell under his power and disobeyed God. After Satan and everything evil are rounded up and marooned on a desolate Earth, then destroyed by fire, Jesus is to be crowned a king, king of this world. If he were already ruler of this world, why should he be crowned again and given it as his kingdom again?

No, I think Jesus had to earn the right to be our king. He had to become one of us. He had to personally fight in the last battle to destroy evil. Maybe it was at a great personal loss for him to do this for us, though, to become human, that is.

I have no references, David. This is just what I think makes sense.

[Robert]

Quote:

---

Michelle said:

Weren't the 10 commandments boiled down to two--love your God and love your neighbors? Didn't Jesus say Love Your Enemies? Paul preaches about this love again and again. I see everything boiling down to this.

M

---

Yeah, but we fall short of God's love. Therefore our only hope is justification by faith.

[Guest]

Quote:

---

Aliensanctuary said:

No, I think Jesus had to earn the right to be our king...

I have no references, David. This is just what I think makes sense.

---

I think that this would describe some of my concerns as I raise this topic.

It concerns me that there is no clear, united picture (as in Word Picture) on the central teaching of Christ. In many cases; our gospel is just what we think makes sense. is there really any scripture that says Jesus had to earn this "right?"

I say this respectuflly as I can; and not directed at you Aliensanctuary; but it seems to me that if we are Christians, we should know exactly what the main message is; and we should be able to give a reference or two for it.

Quote:

---

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: {fear: or, reverence}

---

As I ask people of other denominations; I am seeing the very same answers as we are seeing here. This raises some other realy interesting questions; perhaps not for this topic; but on the other hand; as I have thought about and studied into this topic, and explored this question from the Bible; I am seeing a common denominator evolve. And what I am seeing; I find very exciting and inspiring! The gospel is simply wonderful; and wonderfully simple. It is we "humans" who make it so complex.

What we do; how we treat each other cannot be the main message; but it can portray the main message that God is love; and how that love never fails.

Quote:

---

The badge of Christianity is not an outward sign, not the wearing of a cross or a crown, but it is that which reveals the union of man with God. By the power of His grace manifested in the transformation of character the world is to be convinced that God has sent His Son as its Redeemer. No other influence that can surround the human soul has such power as the influence of an unselfish life. The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian. MH.470.001

---

[Yong T Tay]

I believe this is the central teaching of the Bible:

By eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the human race was destined to eternal death. God love mankind so much that He let His only begotten Son (Jesus)to die the eternal death in place of us. Jesus is God's free gift of eternal life to the human race. As gift, it must be accepted in order for a person to get its full benefit. Those who accept Jesus will get eternal life. Those who reject Jesus will be destined to eternal death.

[jasd]

QR frame:

This is proffered somewhat adversarially… and perhaps, it bears dwelling upon.

The Bible begins and ends with the thematic ‘Glory’ of Gd/Gd’s ‘Glory’. It is exemplified in respect for Himself, that is, self-respect/truth and His word. Therefore,

He moves the heavens to perform upon His commitments/given word, ipso…, agapao love and the cross – resultant upon commitments... agapao love being also a thing of the mind.

In the conquest of Canaan Gibionites were given assurances by those who purported to represent Gd (Gd’s name being in them)… those assurances were compromised

and Gd was wroth.

[Aliensanctuary]

I'm thinking the central teaching/example of Jesus would be self-sacrifice in love. That's what he did, that's what he wants us to do.

As far as the suicide bombers/mass murderers go, we know who their master is. Anyway, they do it, not just for the pleasure of killing unsuspecting people, but for the females they expect to get in the next life.

Satan is the master of selfishness, and only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we identify and attack and conquer selfishness in ourselves. It's the willingness to sacrifice our own needs/desires for the good of others that people see and know that we're not liars. That, I believe is what made people stop and take notice of Jesus, along with the healings.

If we could only get rid of all of our houses and stuff, which may very well happen in the future, we would make it far easier for ourselves to experience the self-sacrificing love Jesus lived and taught.

Thank you, David, for your viewpoint.

[Aliensanctuary]

This has been a very thought-provoking idea. What are the main ideas/teachings of the Bible, Christianity, and Jesus' teachings. Do the main teachings/practices of the world's religions correspond?

What did Jesus try to teach the misguided souls living on planet Earth?

He wanted us to:

Love, honor and obey God.

Love others, and treat them at least as well as we wish to be treated.

Deny our selfish natures and sacrifice self interests for the good of others.

Do no harm to others or ourselves.

Forgive others if they harm us. Do not get angry at them, but instead, reward their evil acts with good deeds.

These are the qualities needed to participate in the next life, whether onboard the real Mt. Zion, or, as a member of the Restored Kingdom of New Earth. There won't be any places reserved for the complainers, the faithless, the impure, or the disagreeable, since living in a perfect world would be torture to them.

To live happily ever after, we must pre-qualify during our life on Earth by demonstrating our ability to resist evil. Of course, it's God who ultimately decides who is safe to allow into his Kingdom.

Jesus demonstrated self-sacrificing love by having his original body destroyed in order to become the 2nd Adam, one of us. This may have occurred on the Altar of Sacrifice structure, I believe, in the real Temple on the real Mt. Zion in the Kingdom of the Stars. This was the only way he could save a few good people out of so many, by becoming human.

Adam and Eve were traitors and could never rule the New Earth, much less the Old Earth. Jesus, therefore, volunteered to fix everything, on a timed schedule, and eventually take Adam's place as King of the New Earth. Until then, we must endure Satan's occupation/control of our world.

[whbae]

His central theme is to show the Way to salvation from our sin to new earth!

Won

[Aliensanctuary]

That's it.

[Guest]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />

This has been a very thought-provoking idea. What are the main ideas/teachings of the Bible, Christianity, and Jesus' teachings. Do the main teachings/practices of the world's religions correspond?

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">There are many good thoughts here so far I would reply to tonight if I had time; but this, to me, is profound: "Do our church's main teachings/practices correspond to the central message of Jesus? Does our personal teachings/practice match up?"

[Robert]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />

To live happily ever after, we must pre-qualify during our life on Earth by demonstrating our ability to resist evil. Of course, it's God who ultimately decides who is safe to allow into his Kingdom.

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

The "character" [mindset] is what we take to heaven…not our goodness. That would be legalism!

Look at Romans 7:22-23

For I [the converted Paul] joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man [i.e., the heart/mind], 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members....So then it is no longer I [i.e., the intent of my heart/mind] that do it [sins], but sin which dwells within me.

A Christian is in agreement with God's selfless, agape love. In his mind/character he is in agreement with this love. The problem is that the Christian still retains a sin nature that opposes his mindset. Thus his only hope for not sinning in the New Earth is when he will be changed in a moment...in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet....

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />

Jesus demonstrated self-sacrificing love by having his original body destroyed in order to become the 2nd Adam, one of us.

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

Jesus laid aside the independent use of His Divinity [His God power] and assumed our humanity under the curse through the incarnation. It was this humanity that died eternally that Friday some 2000 years ago. Since this humanity belongs to "us" we actually died "in Him" and have met the justice of the law.

[Yong T Tay]

Quote:

"A Christian is in agreement with God's selfless, agape love. In his mind/character he is in agreement with this love. The problem is that the Christian still retains a sin nature that opposes his mindset. Thus his only hope for not sinning in the New Earth is when he will be changed in a moment...in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet"

That's it. Robert. In the new earth, we shall live in the sinless flesh of Christ while in this old earth we still live in the sinful flesh of Adam.

[stef]

It is my understanding that the Bible begins and ends with the themes that have been expressed here and can be emphasised in John 3:16-17:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever should believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that through Him, the world might be saved.

Central message: God's great love SAVES us from SIN through the sacrificial blood of Christ.

[Nicodema]

This is why religion has to die. Really, who cares about Xenu? (E.g. who cares about mythic pronouncements whether Jesus Christ was the Ruler of Earth before Satan's Rebellion or the Third Rectification of the Voldrani or Xenu versus the Borg or WHATEVER).

Religion ... MUST ... DIE. It's just another pride/sin/arrogance/egotism outlet, ultimately.

Love is greater than all.

Loving one another is really ALL that matters.

If anyone thinks this is too simple or dismissable, they really just don't know what it means to love. For an example, see the Cross. <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Nicodema]

{{the above post was just tacked on, sorry. Not a response to Stef personally!}}