Virtually every book of the Bible refers to Jesus Christ — even the Old Testament books. Jesus created the world (John 1:1–3,14; Colossians 1:13–17), wrote the Ten Commandments (Nehemiah 9:6,13), was the God of Israel (1 Corinthians 10:1–4), and guided the writings of the prophets (1 Peter 1:10,11). So Jesus Christ is the Author of Scripture.

Jesus loves us all with an unfailing love that surpasses understanding (John 3:16).

The devil claims that following Christian principles is drab, dull, demeaning, and legalistic. But Jesus says it brings fullness of joy — and a more abundant life (John 10:10). Believing the devil’s lies brings heartache and deprives people of life that is “really living.”

Jesus says that keeping His commandments lets us abide in His love, and His joy fills us and makes our joy complete (John 15:10,11).

In a good marriage certain things are imperative, such as faithfulness to one’s spouse. Other things may seem minor, but if they please a spouse they are necessary; if they displease, they should be discontinued. So it is with the Christian life: the commands of Jesus are imperative, but in Scripture He has also outlined principles of conduct that please Him. As in a good marriage, Christians find it a joy to do the things that make the One they love happy (1 John 3:22).

We love Him because He loved us enough to die for us — while we were still His enemies (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:19).

Because they: A. are given for our good always (Deuteronomy 6:24). As good parents teach good principles to their children, so Jesus teaches good principles to His children. B. Safeguard us from sin (Psalm 119:11). C. Show us how to follow in Christ’s footsteps (1 Peter 2:21). D. Bring us true joy (John 13:17). E. Give us an opportunity to express our love for Him (John 15:10). F. Help us be a good example to others (1 Corinthians 10:31–33; Matthew 5:16).

A. Do not love the world or the things in the world. This includes (1) the lust of the flesh, (2) the lust of the eyes, and (3) the pride of life (1 John 2:16). All sin falls into one or more of these categories. When we begin to love the world, we become enemies of God (1 John 2:15; James 4:4). B. We must keep ourselves unspotted from the world (James 1:27).

Jesus warns not to be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2). The devil is not neutral — he presses every Christian constantly. Through Jesus (Philippians 4:13) we must firmly resist the devil’s suggestions, and he will flee from us (James 4:7). The minute we allow the “squeezing” of any other factor to influence our conduct, we begin, perhaps imperceptibly, slipping into apostasy. Christian behavior is decided not by feelings or the conduct of the majority, but by Jesus’ words.

We must guard our thoughts because thoughts dictate behavior, and the Bible says a person becomes what he thinks in his heart (Proverbs 23:7). God wants to help us bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). But Satan desperately wants to bring “the world” into our thoughts, and he can do this only through our five senses — especially sight and hearing. The Bible is clear: we become like the things we repeatedly see and hear (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Christians separate themselves from all things that are not true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8). They avoid: A. dishonesty of every kind — cheating, lying, stealing, being unfair, slander, and betrayal; B. impurity of every kind — fornication, adultery, pornography, profanity, off-color jokes, degrading songs, and most of what is shown on television and in theaters; C. places where they would never invite Jesus to accompany them, such as nightclubs, casinos, and the like.

Jesus lists the works of the flesh: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, idolatry, hatred, jealousy, wrath, contentions, heresies, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like — and says that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19–21). If a family banned everything that portrays or condones these sins, there would be very little to watch. A safe rule is: “Would I invite Jesus to watch this with me?”

Jesus is unequivocal: we are not to do whatever seems right in our own eyes (Deuteronomy 12:8). There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is death (Proverbs 16:25). A fool’s way seems right to him, but wise is the one who heeds counsel (Proverbs 12:15). The Bible calls a fool anyone who trusts in his own heart (Proverbs 28:26). My choices and conduct must be guided by the words of Scripture, not by my own feelings.

Jesus warns that whoever causes one of the little ones who believe in Him to sin would be better off drowned in the depth of the sea with a millstone around his neck (Matthew 18:6). We must not put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in a brother’s way (Romans 14:13), for none of us lives to himself (Romans 14:7). Christians who disregard their influence and example are in danger of leading people away from His kingdom.

A. Dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:9,10). The world’s vices enter our lives through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16); immodest dress involves all three. B. Cast aside ornaments. The issue here is the “pride of life.” The appearance of Jesus’ followers sends light to others (Matthew 5:16). In the Bible jewelry is often a symbol of apostasy: when Jacob’s family rededicated their lives to God, they buried their jewelry (Genesis 35:1,2,4); before entering the Promised Land the Lord commanded them to remove their ornaments (Exodus 33:5,6). In Isaiah 3:19–23 and Hosea 2:13 wearing jewelry is linked to backsliding, while Peter and Paul teach us to adorn ourselves with a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:3,4) and good works. In Revelation 12:1 the faithful church is a pure woman clothed with the sun, and the apostate church is a harlot bedecked with gold and pearls (Revelation 17:3,4). God calls His people to separate from Babylon (Revelation 18:2–4).

Christian obedience and conduct are the evidence that we have been saved by Jesus Christ (James 2:20–26). If a person’s lifestyle does not change, the conversion most likely was not genuine. Converted people find their greatest joy in discovering Jesus’ will in everything and joyously following where He leads.

No. Jesus said that the things of God are foolishness to the world because people lack spiritual discernment (1 Corinthians 2:14). When Jesus speaks of conduct, He is laying down principles for those seeking to be led by His Spirit. His people will be grateful and will joyously follow His counsel; others may not understand or approve.

Such people would be miserable in heaven. Heaven would be “hell” for them, because it holds none of the things they clung to on earth. Christian standards simply make no sense to them (2 Corinthians 6:14–17). That is why it is so important to form a genuine love relationship with Jesus now.

All that we do should have one motivation — to express love for Jesus (1 John 3:22). When Jesus is exalted and revealed to people through our lives (John 12:32), many are drawn to Him. Our one question should always be, “Will this honor Jesus?” As we spend time with Him, we become like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18), and those around us will see that we have been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Such Christians will never become pharisaical, judgmental, or legalistic. No one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24): those who follow Jesus’ principles are changed into His image and prepared for heaven.