Basic Meaning of the Word “Gospel”
In the Greek New Testament, the word “gospel” is Evangelion (pronounced yoo-ang-ghel’-ee-on). It literally means “a proclamation of good news”.
The good news of the gospel is what God has done for you. It is a proclamation that Jesus has achieved victory over sin and death so we can have freedom from its consequences and have a fulfilling relationship with God for all of eternity (1 Corinthians 15:56-57). To best understand the good news, we need to understand why this good news is so important.
Why the Gospel is Necessary: Background
God made humanity “in his image” so that we could have a life-giving relationship with him forever (Genesis 1:27). In fact, the only creature God made in his image was humankind. In Genesis, we discover that God created everything by speaking it into existence; but when God made humanity, he formed us and breathed his life into us. We were the last of God’s creative work, uniquely designed, and the crown of his creation (Psalm 8:4-9; Genesis 2:7). This beautiful picture in Genesis teaches us that God has given us intrinsic worth and purpose.
However, we also discover in Genesis that man rejected God (Genesis 3:17; Romans 3:10). The Bible calls this sin. Sin is ultimately rebellion against God (1 John 3:4). The Bible also tells us the consequence of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Death does not simply mean you go into a grave when you die, but rather you have been severed from God and are under his wrath (Romans 1:18, John 3:36).
Nothing humanity can do can earn its way back to God (Isaiah 64:6). No matter how hard one may try, no amount of religion or good works can repair the separation we have from God (Romans 3:19-20). Why? Because no matter how much good we do, it can never erase the wrong things we have done (Isaiah 59:2). However, God promised that he would pay for our sin and rescue us (Mark 10:45).
The Gospel in a Nutshell
Despite our sin, God lovingly and graciously provided a way for us to be forgiven and have new life (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17). That way is through him alone (John 14:6). Throughout the Old Testament, it was prophesied that God would become flesh and pay for the sins of his people by giving his life for them (Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 53:5-6). In the New Testament, we find God (Jesus) became flesh to pay for our sins (John 1:1-18). He lived a perfect life to be a sufficient sacrifice for his people (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15). His death, burial, and resurrection is the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
Jesus lived a life of service (Philippians 2:3-8). He was so sacrificial in his service that he even carried an attitude of forgiveness while on the cross (Luke 23:34). With his final breath Jesus declared “Paid in full” (John 19:30). He paid the ransom for our sin so that we could be forgiven and reconciled to God without any extra works by our own doing.
The Invitation of the Gospel
The gospel provides an invitation for you to embrace Jesus as your King. He came to rescue you from sin and death (Romans 8:1; Hebrews 10:12-14). Do you want to be forgiven by God? Do you want a relationship with God? Do you want the promise that you will have that relationship for eternity? Take Jesus. Take what Jesus has done for you. Accept what Christ has done on the cross for your life. He proved his sufficient sacrifice through his resurrection.
The Bible says whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13; Acts 4:12). You can not add to his offering. He is enough (Ephesians 2:8-9). There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. (Romans 8:1)
Living Out the Gospel
When you belong to Jesus, you have a new calling and renewed purpose in life (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). You now have the privilege to represent and proclaim this saving King in the way you live (1 Peter 2:9). No one has loved you to the extent Jesus has loved you. Your position is given to you not because you earned it but because he earned it for you. It’s not because you are great, but it was because he is great on your behalf. You are forgiven and belong. Because you belong, you can live for him (2 Corinthians 5:20). Not only does Jesus make us new, He wants to make all things new, and we get to be a part of his story.
Your First step as a follower of Christ should be baptism. There is no example in the new testament of a person that became a Christian and was not baptized. Are you interested in following after Christ in Baptism? If so, click here.
Your Daily need for the Gospel
The gospel is not something you accept and leave alone. Your life is renewed every day in the gospel (Hebrews 4:14-16; 10:12-14). Daily we present our lives to God to direct us (Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 1:9) as we surrender to him bear fruit (Galatians 5:16-24).
Next steps: It is important you continue to grow in your walk with Jesus. One of the ways you can do this is by attending our Christianity 101 class where we discuss the basic beliefs and Christianity and how we practically live them out every day. For more information and to register for this class, click here.
The Promise of God in the Gospel
- He will never lead you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
- You are adopted (Romans 8:15)
- Nothing will separate you from him (Romans 8:38-39)
- You are forever secure (John 10:30)
- He will work all things together in him (Romans 8;28)
- One day he will wipe every tear from you eye and you will be with him forever (Revelation 21:3-4)
If you have any questions. Please contact us: [email protected]