Identifying Jesus' Commandments in the New Testament
To know the commandments we are to keep, we must turn to Scripture, for it is the final authority on all matters of faith and practice. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "all things work together for good to them that love God," but to love God is to keep His commandments. The commandments of Jesus are not a burdensome list of dos and don'ts, but rather a reflection of His character and will for our lives.
In order to know these commandments, we must study the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels, as well as the writings of the apostles, who were inspired by the Holy Spirit to interpret and apply Jesus' teachings to the lives of believers. This includes the command to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves, which Jesus identified as the greatest commandments.
The Bible provides a comprehensive guide to the will of God, and by studying it, believers can gain a deep understanding of the commandments they are to keep. This understanding is not just intellectual, but also practical, as believers seek to live out their faith in obedience to Jesus' teachings. By keeping Jesus' commandments, believers demonstrate their love for Him and their commitment to following Him, and they can be confident that they are doing the will of the Father.