What Jesus said about love, salvation, forgiveness, himself, and the future

The New Testament of the Bible records the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Below are a few of the things that Jesus said about 2000 years ago, during his ministry in the land of Israel.

One of the best-known sayings of Jesus is found in the New Testament of the Bible, in John 3:16. There, Jesus explains that anyone who believes in him will be given the gift of eternal life with God:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18, KJV)

Jesus also told us to treat others as we would have them treat us. This is sometimes called the Golden Rule and it can be found in Matthew 7:12. Here is a similar example from Jesus in regards to showing love to others, even our enemies:

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48, NIV)

In various New Testament passages, Jesus announces that he is the Messiah and that he is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament of the Bible. Here, as recorded in the New Testament book of Matthew, the Apostle named Peter (Simon Peter Barjona) confesses that he realizes that Jesus is the Son of God:

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 16:13-17, KJV)

During his ministry about 2000 years ago, Jesus explained to some of his followers how to pray:

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13, KJV)

Jesus often spoke about forgiveness of sins. During his crucifixion, after he had been beaten and nailed to a cross, he prayed to God the Father to forgive the sins of his persecutors:

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34, KJV)

After Jesus was resurrected, he instructed his followers to evangelize about him to others:

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20, KJV)

Next: What happened to the Apostles?

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