51. Equal with God
All Christians believe that Jesus is equal with God, because He “called God his own Father, making himself equal with God.” (John 5:18) Though equal with God, Jesus cooperates fully with the Father as He said, “I don't seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.” (John 5:30)
52. Hear and Believe
All Christians believe that hearing Jesus and believing the Father are keys to eternal life. "Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn't come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24)
53. Lord of the Sabbath
All Christians agree that “Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat.” (Matthew 12:1 cf. Mark 2:23; Luke 6:1) This gained Him some criticism that they were breaking the Sabbath. To this Jesus explained that satisfying human hunger was more important and quoted the scripture, “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice” (Matthew 12:7 cf. Hosea 6:6), calling their action “guiltless.” Then He made the bold statement which all Christians agree with, that, “the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:8 cf. Mark 2:27; Luke 6:5) After that, He healed on the Sabbath, saying that “it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.” (Matthew 12:12 cf. Mark 3:4; Luke 6:9)
54. The Nations’ Hope
All Christians believe that “In his name, the nations will hope." (Matthew 12:21)
55. Twelve Jewish Men
All Christians agree that Jesus did not choose a representative diversity of people from all nations and both genders as apostles, but chose twelve men who were probably all Jewish. (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:14-19; Luke 6:13-16)
56. The Beatitudes
All Christians believe in the beatitudes, beautiful attitudes that are blessed and happy far beyond momentary mirth. (Matthew 5:2-12; Luke 6:20-24)
57. The Woes
All Christians believe in the woes that seem good on the surface, but turn so quickly to grief (Luke 6:24-26).
58. Salt and Light
All Christians believe that we are salt and light, and that light is found in good works which are not used for self-glory but which “glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16 cf. Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34-35; 11:33)
59. The Old Testament
All Christians believe what Jesus said, "Don't think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfill…” (Matthew 5:17-20 cf. Luke 16:17) The phrase the law and the prophets refers to what Christians now call the Old Testament which contains about 613 commandments and “whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (vs. 19) How that is accomplished Jesus later explains.
60. Murder
All Christians believe that the spirit of the law against murder is also broken when someone “is angry with his brother without a cause” (Matthew 5:22) or verbally abuses them. Instead, if possible, reconciliation must be attempted. (vs. 23-24)
