A Greek word translated “gospel” in the New Testament means “good news”, and in the context of the Bible it’s good news about Jesus Christ. This good news is intended for every soul on earth who will listen and accept it…
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Among the many things Jesus Christ said in relation to the gospel message was this:
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).
Jesus gave no condition besides accepting his words and believing God. There is no demand to belong to an organization or to give money: the way to life is simple and completely free. Do not allow people or organizations to place burdens and obligations onto you: this is not from God, even if they claim it is.
The gift of God through Jesus Christ is forgiveness of all our sin, bridging the huge gap between fallen humanity and a holy, perfect God. It provides us meaning and purpose in this world, and eternal life in the presence of our Creator. There’s only one requirement, which is that in accordance with the words of Jesus, we must turn from our own flawed way of thinking and living and accept God’s son as the lord and master of our lives.
Dr. Gary R Habermas, a New Testament historian, writes about one of the first-century creeds found in the New Testament. Speaking of its ancient authenticity, he states, “That this confession is an early Christian, pre-Pauline creed is recognized by virtually all critical scholars across a wide theological spectrum” (1). Paul had given his life to sharing this good news, despite all opposition and threats, having once been a persecutor of Christians. Here is Paul’s first century, original definition of the gospel of Jesus Christ:
“Now brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time…”Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also…” (1 Corinthians 15: 1 – 8).
So according to Paul in agreement with the sayings of Jesus Christ and other apostles, the gospel-the good news we can each accept or reject-is this:
Christ died for our sins, as prophesied in Old Testament Scriptures (we can be forgiven for all our sin because of Christ’s death on the cross); He was buried; He was raised from the dead on the third day; He appeared alive to his disciples after his resurrection. He has promised peace in this world and eternal life to all who trust in him.
NOTE
1 Gary R Habermas “The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ” (College Press Publishing Company, Joplin, Missouri, © 1996 Gary Habermas) p 153.
Fuel for Faith, Food for Thought 