2,000 years ago, when the Lord Jesus came to perform the work of redemption, He left us with numerous teachings. These include guidance on entering the kingdom of heaven, welcoming the Lord’s return, love, prayer, forgiveness, eternal life, and more. He paved a vibrant path for humanity to follow God, and offered valuable guidance for our faith and life. This essay highlights 9 teachings of Jesus Christ, aiming to provide assistance to your faith and life.

1. Invitation to the Kingdom: Genuine Repentance

The Lord Jesus said, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).

This is a compassionate call from the Lord Jesus and an invitation to embark on the path to the kingdom of heaven. Within this call lies a crucial condition for entering the kingdom of heaven—repentance. Repentance is not just confessing one’s sins; it is a transformation of life. It is a gateway to the kingdom of heaven, a turning point from self to truth, from sin to holiness. When we hear this divine invitation and examine our lives, we may realize that we often live in sin—displaying anger, lying, seeking power and profit, detesting the truth, succumbing to worldly temptations, following the trends of the world, pursuing fame and fortune, indulging in sinful pleasures, and more. Even if we confess and repent to the Lord, we may find ourselves repeating the same sins afterward. This indicates that we have not truly broken free from sin and achieved genuine repentance. Why is it that, despite seeking forgiveness through faith, we continue to sin without genuine repentance? How can we get rid of sin and attain true repentance? God says, “Though Jesus did much work among man, He only completed the redemption of all mankind and became man’s sin offering; He did not rid man of all his corrupt disposition. Fully saving man from the influence of Satan not only required Jesus to become the sin offering and bear the sins of man, but it also required God to do even greater work to rid man completely of his satanically corrupted disposition. And so, now that man has been forgiven of his sins, God has returned to the flesh to lead man into the new age, and begun the work of chastisement and judgment. This work has brought man into a higher realm. All those who submit under His dominion shall enjoy higher truth and receive greater blessings. They shall truly live in the light, and they shall gain the truth, the way, and the life” (The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. Preface).

God’s words make it clear: During the Age of Grace, the Lord Jesus carried out the work of redemption, forgiving people’s sins; however, the inherent sinful nature of humanity remained unresolved. People remained bound by their sinful nature, often finding themselves involuntarily involved in lying and other sins, pursuing fame and profit, fostering jealousy and conflict, passing judgment and harboring hatred. They lived in a cycle of sinning, confessing, and sinning again. Without addressing the root of human sin and corrupt disposition, no matter how many times sins are forgiven, individuals cannot break free from the cycle of wrongdoing and achieve genuine repentance. Therefore, in the end times, the Lord Jesus will come again to express the truth, perform the work of judgment and purification to completely save people from sin and lead them to true repentance. It is evident that the judgment work in the last days is the crucial step in God’s plan to save humanity. Only by accepting God’s judgment work can individuals cast off the shackles of sin, receive God’s salvation, achieve genuine repentance, survive calamities, and be ushered into the kingdom of heaven.

2. Divine Reminder: Different Outcomes for Servants and Sons

“Truly, truly, I say to you, Whoever commits sin is the servant of sin. And the servant stays not in the house for ever: but the son stays ever” (John 8:34–35).

In this passage, the Lord Jesus informs us about the distinct destinies of servants and sons. Anyone living in sin is a slave to it. Sin is not merely an external transgression but a deep-seated bondage within our hearts; it is a spiritual shackle. Bound by sin, individuals live in its torment, suffering, and loss of freedom. They often find themselves involuntarily involved in anger, lying, deception, jealousy, and conflict, making them servants of sin, distant from God. Even if one believes in the Lord and receives forgiveness for sins, they may not break free from the bondage of sin. They continue to live in the cycle of sin and confession, remaining a servant of sin. This is an undeniable reality. Only by getting rid of the clutches of sin, reaching purification, and no longer sinning can one become a son who stays in God’s house forever—eligible to enter the kingdom of heaven. God’s salvation work aims to gather a community of sanctified humanity. Those tainted with sin and impurity are not qualified to step through the gates of God’s kingdom; this is determined by God’s righteous disposition. Just as God says, “You must know what kind of people I desire; those who are impure are not permitted to enter into the kingdom, those who are impure are not permitted to besmirch the holy ground. Though you may have done much work, and worked for many years, in the end if you are still deplorably filthy, then it will be intolerable to the law of Heaven that you wish to enter My kingdom! From the foundation of the world until today, never have I offered easy access to My kingdom to those who curry favor with Me. This is a heavenly rule, and no one can break it!” (The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. Success or Failure Depends on the Path That Man Walks).

If you desire to break free from sin and transition from being a servant to becoming a son who stays forever in God’s house, please reach out to us through the online chat window at the bottom of our website. Let’s learn together God’s word and participate in online discussions.

3. Radiance of Truth: Journey to Sanctification

“Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth” (John 17:17).

This verse reveals a path to holiness guided by truth. In this dark and sinful world, we are bound by sin, often living in its clutches with no power to break free. Even if we believe in the Lord and receive forgiveness for sins, we may still find ourselves sinning frequently, leading a life of sin, confession, and sinning again. No one can escape the bondage and control of sin; all struggle within its grasp, unable to find release and freedom, experiencing profound spiritual pain. However, this verse reminds us that only the truth, which is God’s word, can set people free from sin and make them holy. Which words of God can achieve such results? Is it the words in the Old Testament? Or is it the words in the New Testament? Neither. In the Old Testament Age of Law, Jehovah only issued laws to guide people in their earthly lives, bringing awareness of their sins. In the New Testament Age of Grace, the Lord Jesus’ work and teachings granted the way of repentance, leading people to confess and repent for the forgiveness of sins. However, it did not free people from the bondage of sin and achieve purification. This is a fact. In reality, the words that can make people holy are those spoken by God in the last days. In the end times, when the Lord Jesus returns, He will express many truths and carry out the judgment work to guide people into all truth, completely saving them from sin and leading them to purification, ultimately bringing them into God’s kingdom. This fulfills the prophecy of the Lord Jesus: “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:12–13). And this verse, “Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth” (John 17:17). “And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:47-48). Therefore, it is imperative for individuals to accept the judgment work that the Lord Jesus will carry out when He returns, to receive the truth. Only then can one’s sins be thoroughly cleansed, enabling them to break free from sin and become holy, qualifying them to enter the kingdom of God. This is the only path to sanctification. Just as God says, “Though Jesus did much work among man, He only completed the redemption of all mankind and became man’s sin offering; He did not rid man of all his corrupt disposition. Fully saving man from the influence of Satan not only required Jesus to become the sin offering and bear the sins of man, but it also required God to do even greater work to rid man completely of his satanically corrupted disposition. And so, now that man has been forgiven of his sins, God has returned to the flesh to lead man into the new age, and begun the work of chastisement and judgment. This work has brought man into a higher realm. All those who submit under His dominion shall enjoy higher truth and receive greater blessings. They shall truly live in the light, and they shall gain the truth, the way, and the life” (The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. Preface).

If you want to accept the truth expressed by the returned Lord and embark on the path to sanctification, please contact us through the online chat window at the bottom of our website. Let’s learn together God’s word and participate in online discussions.

4. Turning into the Likeness of a Child—Seeking the Path to the Kingdom

The Lord Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

In these concise yet profound words, the Lord Jesus guides us onto a path leading to the kingdom—turning and becoming like little children. Children are innocent, with bright and open hearts, possessing a genuine and honest nature, without hypocrisy. Such individuals are the members of the kingdom. As God’s word states, “My kingdom requires those who are honest, those who are not hypocritical or deceitful. Are not the sincere and honest people unpopular in the world? I am just the opposite. It is acceptable for the honest people to come to Me; I delight in this kind of person, and I also need this kind of person. This is precisely My righteousness” (The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. Utterances of Christ in the Beginning, Chapter 33). From God’s words, we see that being an honest person is crucial, directly influencing our ultimate destination. So, what does it mean to be an honest person? God says, “Honesty means giving your heart to God, being genuine with God in all things, being open with Him in all things, never hiding the facts, not trying to deceive those above and below you, and not doing things only to curry favor with God. In short, to be honest is to be pure in your actions and words, and to deceive neither God nor man. … If your words are riddled with excuses and valueless justifications, then I say that you are someone who is loath to put the truth into practice. If you have many confidences that you are reluctant to share, if you are highly averse to laying bare your secrets—your difficulties—before others to seek the way of the light, then I say that you are someone who will not attain salvation easily, and who will not easily emerge from the darkness” (The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. Three Admonitions).

Honest individuals are not those who are straightforward, weak, or foolish, nor are they people who face discrimination or oppression in society. The honesty mentioned by God refers to those who can entrust their hearts to God, individuals who don’t plan for their own future or calculate their gains and losses, but completely devote themselves to obeying and satisfying God. Honest individuals are wholeheartedly loyal to God, not deceiving Him in any aspect, but fulfilling their duties without laxness or deceit. They are open to God in all matters and can also share their privacy or difficulties with brothers and sisters. Their speech is straightforward and consistent, and they possess truth and humanity. If someone believes in God but sacrifices and labors not to satisfy God or to fulfill their duties as created beings, but for personal blessings, crowns, or to exchange for heavenly rewards, this is nothing more than making a deal with God, and these people are not honest. If a person frequently lies and deceives for their own benefit, they are not honest. If someone often prays to God expressing willingness to obey and love Him, but when faced with unfavorable situations, especially during hardships, they misunderstand and complain against God, they are not honest, and so on. In reflecting upon these behaviors, we should examine our thoughts and actions to see if we truly qualify as honest individuals in the eyes of God.

If you desire to turn into the likeness of a child, to become an honest person and enter the kingdom of God, please contact us through the online chat window at the bottom of our website. Let’s learn together God’s word and communicate online.

5. Seeking the Path to Eternal Life: Believing, Following, and Obedience to Christ

The Lord Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And you will not come to me, that you might have life” (John 5:39–40).

This statement from the Lord Jesus serves as a profound teaching and reminder that merely adhering to the Scriptures does not grant the truth and life; rather, it is through believing in, following, and obeying Christ that one can attain the truth and life. This message may challenge people’s perceptions of the Scriptures, as many believers assume that eternal life is contained within the Bible, equating faith in God with faith in the Scriptures. However, the Lord Jesus points out that the belief in eternal life based solely on the Scriptures is a human assumption, not reflective of the reality. For instance, the Pharisees, as recorded in the Bible, believed in God, but their focus was solely on scrutinizing the Scriptures. They elevated the Scriptures above everything else, thinking that by adhering to the Scriptures, they could obtain eternal life. However, they rejected the truths expressed by Lord Jesus. They chose to hold onto the Scriptures rather than follow Lord Jesus. They stubbornly held on to the Bible and protected the Bible, using the letters of the Bible to try to find fault with Him and furiously deny and condemn the truths spoken by Lord Jesus. In the end, they collaborated with the Roman authorities to crucify Lord Jesus, facing God’s curse and punishment. This illustrates that if one’s faith in God is limited to a blind devotion to the Scriptures, worshiping it while rejecting the incarnate Christ, and refusing to accept God’s work and guidance, such a faith won’t earn God’s approval and certainly won’t lead to gaining the truth and life.

In reality, the Bible is only God’s testimony, chronicling the account of God’s two previous works. The true value of the Bible lies in its documentation of God’s words and works during the Age of Law and the Age of Grace, along with human testimonies. This allows humanity to catch a glimpse of how God created all things, fashioned humanity, led and redeemed them, leading to a certain understanding of God. Many have turned to God because of the Bible, not only acknowledging God as the Creator of all things but also yearning for His words and seeking His footsteps. These are the benefits and edification brought about by the Bible, showcasing its intrinsic value. However, God’s work continues to progress, and completing two stages of work does not mean the goal of saving humanity is achieved. The work of purifying, saving, and perfecting humanity is fulfilled in the last days. We are currently in the final period of the last days, and the prophecies about the return of the Lord have already been fulfilled. Jesus has already returned in the flesh and spoken the truth, performing the work of purifying and saving humanity. This work aims to guide people into all truths, thoroughly rescuing them from sin and granting eternal life, leading them into God’s kingdom. This fulfills Jesus’ prophecy, “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:12–13) and the verse “Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth” (John 17:17). It’s evident that the Bible cannot replace the life that God bestows upon humanity. Only by accepting and obeying the returned Lord Jesus, Christ of the last days, can one attain the truth and life. Without accepting the words spoken by Christ in the last days, no one can obtain life. Just as God says, “Christ of the last days brings life, and brings the enduring and everlasting way of truth. This truth is the path by which man gains life, and it is the only path by which man shall know God and be approved by God. If you do not seek the way of life provided by Christ of the last days, then you shall never gain the approval of Jesus, and shall never be qualified to enter the gate of the kingdom of heaven, for you are both a puppet and prisoner of history. Those who are controlled by regulations, by words, and shackled by history will never be able to gain life nor gain the perpetual way of life. This is because all they have is turbid water which has been clung to for thousands of years instead of the water of life that flows from the throne. Those who are not supplied with the water of life will forever remain corpses, playthings of Satan, and sons of hell. How, then, can they behold God? If you only try to hold on to the past, only try to keep things as they are by standing still, and do not try to change the status quo and discard history, then will you not always be against God? The steps of God’s work are vast and mighty, like surging waves and rolling thunders—yet you sit passively awaiting destruction, clinging to your folly and doing nothing. In this way, how can you be considered someone who follows the footsteps of the Lamb? How can you justify the God that you hold on to as a God who is always new and never old? And how can the words of your yellowed books carry you across into a new age? How can they lead you to seek the steps of God’s work? And how can they take you up to heaven? What you hold in your hands are words that can provide but temporary solace, not truths that are capable of giving life. The words of scriptures you read can only enrich your tongue and are not words of philosophy that can help you know human life, much less the paths that can lead you to perfection. Does this discrepancy not give you cause for reflection? Does it not make you realize the mysteries contained within? Are you capable of delivering yourself to heaven to meet God on your own? Without the coming of God, can you take yourself into heaven to enjoy family happiness with God? Are you still dreaming now? I suggest, then, that you stop dreaming and look at who is working now—look to see who is now carrying out the work of saving man during the last days. If you do not, you shall never gain the truth, and shall never gain life” (The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. Only Christ of the Last Days Can Give Man the Way of Eternal Life).

Christ is the truth, the way, and life. We can only attain life and receive salvation in the last days from God by stepping beyond the confines of the Bible and accepting the truth expressed by God in the end times. The words of the Bible are not the truth and cannot be man’s life. Only the words of Christ are the essential truth required for human salvation and can constitute human life. If people, like the Pharisees, believe in the Lord while rigidly adhering to the Bible but refuse to accept and obey the truth expressed by God in the last days, and even resist and reject the work of God in the end times, they will be abandoned, eliminated, and subjected to punishment in hell by God.

6. The Preciousness of Life: Beyond Worldly Wealth

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

This is a profound teaching from Jesus, reminding us of the pricelessness of life and guiding us to examine our deep-seated pursuits of wealth and power in comparison to the true worth of life. In a society immersed in material desires and complexity, we often find ourselves tempted by the trends of success, wealth, and social status. While these are undoubtedly goals many strive for, Jesus’ teachings caution us that these pursuits ultimately bring no real benefit to our lives. If we sacrifice our inner life for external success, what meaning does it hold? The preciousness of life far exceeds any worldly wealth. We need to wisely manage everything we possess in this world, always maintaining reverence and appreciation for life. Nowadays, as disasters continue to escalate, and the days of God have arrived, the pursuit of life takes on heightened significance. Just as God says, “Awaken, brothers! Awaken, sisters! My day will not be delayed; time is life, and to seize back time is to save life! The time is not far off! If you fail the college entrance examination, you can study and retake it as many times as you like. However, My day will brook no further delay. Remember! Remember! I urge you with these good words. The end of the world unfolds before your very eyes, and great disasters rapidly draw near. Which is more important: your life, or your sleep, your food and drink and clothing? The time has come for you to weigh these things. Be doubtful no longer, and do not shy away from certainty!” (The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. Utterances of Christ in the Beginning, Chapter 30).

Upon hearing God’s good exhortations, let us appreciate the value of life, resist worldly temptations, and recognize that any material wealth pales in comparison to life. Life is the most precious treasure, and on the journey of pursuing it, we should learn to safeguard, respect, and embrace the richness of life. If one loses life in the pursuit of the world, they will ultimately have nothing. After understanding God’s intentions, how will you make your choices?

7. Comfort in Faith: Let Go of Worries and Trust That God Knows Our Needs

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things” (Matthew 6:31–32).

This is a comforting message from Jesus about the anxieties we face. Living in a fast-paced, high-stress society, we often find ourselves burdened by trivial concerns, worrying about what to eat, drink, or wear. These seemingly simple needs become sources of anxiety. Yet, Jesus, through these words, reminds us that these material aspects of life shouldn’t be our primary focus. They are not what we should excessively worry about; such concerns are what the Gentiles seek. Instead, Jesus encourages us to have a higher level of faith and dependence. He urges us not to be anxious, assuring us that our Heavenly Father knows all our needs, including what we eat, drink, and wear. We are reminded to place these worries before God, to believe and rely wholeheartedly on Him. Our God knows all our needs and has a perfect plan for us. So, rather than worrying, we are called to trust, as faith is the bridge that goes beyond our concerns and represents our trust in God’s omnipotence. As we walk in faith, we can deeply experience that God is the supplier of our lives, fulfilling each of our needs.

May we no longer worry about the daily necessities of eating, drinking, and clothing. Instead, may we approach every need and challenge with faith, demonstrating our reliance on God. Our heavenly Father is already aware of everything we require in our daily lives and will provide for us at the appropriate time. This mindset transcends worldly anxieties and fosters deep gratitude for God’s grace and love. In God’s promises, our worries will be replaced by peace.

8. Worshiping God in Spirit and in Truth: The Marvelous Encounter of Spirits

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

This statement from Jesus teaches us how to commune with God, emphasizing the importance of worshiping Him in spirit and in truth. Many believers share a common dilemma: They often pray to God but do not receive His response. We know that God is a God who hears prayers, so if our prayers go unanswered, the problem lies not with God but with our approach to prayer. Jesus instructs us to worship God in spirit and in truth. However, how do we demonstrate this in practice?

Some people approach prayer as a mere formality, following a set of rules and treating it as a task to be completed. They pray at designated times without considering the effectiveness of their prayers. Others recite prayers they have memorized; when they see someone else’s prayer that sounds good, they memorize it and use it for themselves every day, without actually connecting it to their own personal struggles and needs or speaking heartfelt words to God. There are also those who deceive God in their prayers, saying what sounds good to please Him, such as, “God, I am willing to satisfy Your will!” or “God, I am willing to obey You, to love You, and to forsake everything and expend for You!” However, when faced with unfavorable circumstances, they become negative and try to reason with God, even complaining about Him. In summary, any prayer that lacks sincerity and is merely going through the motions, filled with empty words, insincere expressions, or pretending to speak nice-sounding words in front of God, is deceiving God. Can such prayers truly be considered worshiping God in spirit and in truth? Can God respond to these mindless prayers? In reality, worshiping God in spirit and in truth is not about outward forms or verbal expressions, but about genuine communication of the heart. It requires us to offer our innermost honesty and piety to God, emphasizing sincerity and authenticity in our inner attitudes rather than focusing solely on external behaviors. This means that in the presence of God, we should reveal our true selves without pretense or disguise, approaching Him with sincerity and singleness of heart, speaking honestly and genuinely. When we open our hearts and sincerely pray to God, we establish a deep and authentic relationship with Him. This is an experience that can only be understood by the soul. Just as God says, “When praying, you must have a heart that is quiet before God, and you must have a sincere heart. You are truly communing and praying with God—you must not try to wheedle God with nice-sounding words. Prayer should center upon that which God wishes to accomplish right now. Ask God to grant you greater enlightenment and illumination, bring your actual states and your troubles into His presence when you pray, including the resolution that you made before God. Prayer is not about following procedure; it is about seeking God with a sincere heart. Ask that God protect your heart, so that your heart may often be quiet before Him; that in the environment in which He has placed you, you would know yourself, despise yourself, and forsake yourself, thus allowing you to have a normal relationship with God and truly become someone who loves God” (The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. Concerning the Practice of Prayer).

If we consistently practice speaking genuine and sincere words before God with an honest heart, approaching Him with reverence and worshiping Him with an honest heart, then our prayers will earn approval from God and elicit a response from Him.

9. Comfort From the Lord Jesus: A Place of Rest for the Weary

“Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

In these words of Jesus, we hear a gentle and compassionate call, feeling God’s love and care for those who are tired and burdened. In the journey of life, we are often troubled by various pressures and worries—work stress, family responsibilities, and life’s uncertainties—that seem like carrying a heavy load, sometimes leaving us exhausted. Jesus’ call is like the gentle morning light penetrating the darkness, guiding us to a path of rest. Jesus does not want to see us bear heavy burdens alone; He invites us to bring our burdens to Him, to find true rest in His embrace. This is not just physical rest but also tranquility for our souls. Therefore, in the presence of God, we don’t need to pretend to be strong or hide our weariness. God knows our pain and helplessness; He is always concerned about us, asking only that we come before Him, quietly receive His love and comfort, and His mercy and compassion will be freely given to us. Just as God says, “The Almighty has mercy on these people who have suffered deeply; at the same time, He is fed up with these people who lack consciousness, as He has had to wait too long for an answer from humanity. He wishes to seek, to seek your heart and your spirit, to bring you water and food and to awaken you, that you may no longer be thirsty and hungry. When you are weary and when you begin to feel something of the bleak desolation of this world, do not be lost, do not cry. Almighty God, the Watcher, will embrace your arrival at any time. He is keeping watch by your side, waiting for you to turn back around. He is waiting for the day you suddenly recover your memory: when you realize that you came from God, that, at some unknown time you lost your direction, at some unknown time you lost consciousness on the road, and at some unknown time acquired a “father”; when you realize, furthermore, that the Almighty has always been keeping watch, waiting there a very, very long time for your return. He has been watching with desperate longing, waiting for a response without an answer. His watching and waiting are beyond any price, and they are for the sake of the human heart and the human spirit. Perhaps this watching and waiting are indefinite, and perhaps they are at an end. But you should know exactly where your heart and your spirit are right now” (The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. The Sighing of the Almighty).

When we feel burdened and exhausted, let’s not get lost in the busyness and endless anxieties of the world. Instead, let’s heed God’s loving call, cast off our weariness and worries, embrace God’s invitation, and in His merciful arms, taste the sweetness of His love. Our soul’s pain will find healing, and we will experience genuine rest.

Conclusion

Friend, when you face problems and confusion in your faith and daily life, we hope the 9 teachings of Jesus above can provide you with valuable guidance and assistance. Jesus encourages us to believe in His words, trust in His love and grace, and have confidence in the promising future He has prepared for us. This unwavering faith serves as a source of comfort and support in times of difficulty. By trusting, relying on, and seeking the teachings of the Lord, we can discover strength, peace, and joy on our journey of faith. Let God’s words illuminate our lives, guiding us towards a brighter tomorrow. If you’d like to delve deeper into Jesus’ teachings, feel free to reach out to us through the online chat window at the bottom of our website. Together, let’s learn God’s words and communicate online.