Jesus said,
What does He mean by "command"? What are His commands that, if obeyed, will cause us to be His "friends"?
First, it is important to remember that believing in Jesus and obeying His commands are separate issues. Jesus is clear when He says that in order to gain salvation you must "believe" in Him. Salvation does not require works. Eternal salavation is purely a gift from God. There is nothing you can do to earn your salvation. Jesus, because of His mercy, offers you eternal life if you believe in Him. So let me ask you this question, "Do you believe in Jesus Christ; that He offers you forgiveness of sins; that He is God - the resurrection and the life? Jesus said, "Whoever believes has eternal life" (John 6:47).
Obeying the commands of Jesus does not ensure our salvation, but our obedience keeps us in fellowship with Him: Our friendship stays intact. Obeying the commands of Jesus is something a Christian will desire to do. As a Christian you will be driven to obey Christ because you love Him and are grateful for His free gift of eternal life.
So what does Jesus command you to do? In the New Testament, there are many commands of Jesus, but they can be narrowed down to 10 key commands.
Here is a list of the Ten Commandments of Jesus:
1. The Most Important Commandment: Love The Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…and with all your strength....You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:28-31.
2. The Great Commission: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20.
3. The New Commandment: ...love one another. John 13:34-35, 15:12.
4. The Priority commandment for every believer: ..seek first His kingdom and His righteousness... Matthew 6:33.
5. The Lord's Supper: ...do this in remembrance of Me... Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:24,25.
6. The Great Example Commandment: ...wash one another's feet...you also should do just as I have done to you... John 13:14-15.
7. The Commandment that is the secret to a fruitful life: Abide in Me... John 15:4-8.
8. The only specific request Christ commanded his disciples to pray besides the Lord's Prayer: ...pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest... Luke 10:2, Matthew 9:38.
9. General Commandments of Jesus for victorious living: ...do not pass judgment...do not condemn...pardon...give... Luke 6:37-38.
10. Commandments for loving our enemies: ...love your enemies...Do good to those who hate you...bless those who curse you...pray for those who mistreat you... Luke 6:27-36, Matthew 5:43-48.
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