Teachings of Jesus
One of the main Christian teachings about morality and how others should be treated comes from Jesus’ teaching of the .
The Golden Rule tells Christians to treat other people as they would like to be treated.
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
If you, then... know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Life after death
Jesus taught his followers that those who live good lives and follow his teachings will be rewarded with life in God’s kingdom. Jesus also taught that those who commit sins and turn their back on God will receive eternal punishment in Hell. Jesus also teaches that the path to eternity with God is not an easy one. The path to Hell, however, is an easier one and so many more people follow it.
Go in through the narrow gate, because the gate to Hell is wide and the road that leads to it is easy, and there are many who travel it. But the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are few people who find it.
Jesus taught that people should act morally in life, not just to receive eternal life with God, but because humans should want to carry out good deeds for their own satisfaction and to help others.
Many Christians believe that Jesus will judge people’s behaviour and that they will be punished not only for sinning but also for failing to do good.
The Parable of the Sheep and Goats
In many of his , including the Sheep and Goats, Jesus teaches about what will happen at the end of time. All of humanity shall be judged on the way they have lived and how they have acted. The parable of the Sheep and the Goats gives a picture of how humans will be divided at the end of time at the .
When the Son of Man comes as King... he will divide them into two groups, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the righteous people at his right and the others at his left.
Jesus' parables on life and death explain the following:
- it is up to each individual where they end up after death
- it is up to each individual how they live their life
- whether they follow the will of God will determine where eternity is spent
