Sometimes the word “gospel” is used to describe the first four books of the New Testament in the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
In a deeper sense, the word “gospel” describes what Jesus called the “good news” in Luke: (4:43, Contemporary English Version) “…‘People in other towns must hear the good news about God’s kingdom. This is why I was sent.’”
The “good news” is God’s plan for humankind outlined in the Bible where EVERYONE is included. This plan is made up of many parts – here are just a few of them.
The first piece of good news is that Jesus will eventually destroy Satan. In Genesis, God said to Satan, (Genesis 3:15, NLT) “And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”
This Scripture is saying that Jesus will destroy Satan, and Revelation 20:10 confirms it – more good news!
The earth’s future restoration is another part of the gospel. Isaiah (35:1, Berean Study Bible) says, “The wilderness and the land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.”
The gospel message continues with the angel announcing the birth of Jesus in Luke (2:10?, NLT): “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, every person will be able to live again in God’s future kingdom. Revelation (21:4, NLT) promises what God will do: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain…”
The gospel message also includes two special paths, or “salvations” for humankind: those who dedicate their lives to do God’s will now, if faithful until death, will receive a heavenly salvation. Additional good news is that everyone else will have an opportunity to live forever in God’s earthly kingdom. Because Jesus died for ALL people, ALL people will be blessed. God promised this to Abraham in Genesis (Genesis 28:14, NLT): “And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants.”
So, what is the gospel? Sometimes it simply refers to the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. More deeply, it means the “good news” that Jesus preached – a beautiful message about God’s plan for ALL people, which has many parts. Just a few of them are Satan’s destruction, the earth’s restoration, Jesus’ sacrifice, and God’s future kingdom that will bless all of creation. You can comfort and cheer others by sharing the good news, too!
This video is from Christian Questions Podcast. For more information please go to https://christianquestions.com
