Defining Terms: the “Gospel”
The word “gospel” has a number of different uses in the English language. Some people use it to refer to a music genre. Some use it to describe a statement which is reliable and agreeable. But Christians usually use the word in its most basic sense – the word “gospel” simply means “good news.”
But this definition doesn’t adequately answer the question. What is the content of this good news?
The Good News of Christianity
Our church proclaims the life-changing good news concerning Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that we were once cut off from God’s favor because of our pride, selfishness, and corrupt desires. We deserved death as a penalty for our ungodliness (Romans 1:18-32, 3:10-20). (This sounds like bad news so far, right?)
But while we were spiritually dead, even when we were enemies of heaven and outsiders, Jesus Christ came to secure our rescue. He bore the penalty and curse of death at the cross. And in his resurrection from the dead, we are assured of the newness of life that is ours through faith (cf. Romans 5:6-10).
There is therefore no longer any condemnation, in this world or the next, for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). This salvation does not rest on our works or worthiness, but instead rests entirely on the merits of Christ and the mercies of God (Titus 3:5). Those who entrust themselves to Jesus Christ are reconciled to God, are set free from sin to live for God, and are given the promise of unending joy in the presence of God (Romans 10:13, Ephesians 2:1-10).
But what difference does this make?
Receive the Gospel
Since God himself has given us this gospel, we need to receive it. No other path leads to life. No other Person can remove your guilt, change your heart, and save your soul. If you refuse to receive this gospel, and this Christ, you are rejecting the only possible way of salvation.
Guard the Gospel
We also must consider – God has given us this gospel to guard it. We sadly live in a day where people have distorted the biblical gospel. They claim the good news is primarily about man improving himself and the earth, when it is actually about God single-handedly redeeming and restoring his fallen creatures. If the best news we have rests on what man is capable of doing, then we’re hopeless. But if our good news rests on the wisdom and power of God, then we have a message worth celebrating – and worth protecting.
We should seek to maintain clarity where there is confusion. The Christian message is not a judgmental criticism of cultural immorality, nor is it a cry against social inequality or government overreach, nor is it a declaration of God’s unconditional affirmation of all people. It is the message that God has satisfied the perfect demands of his own justice in order that he may give forgiveness and life to his people.
Proclaim the Gospel
Since we have this gospel from God, we must also proclaim it. This will uniquely honor God. This will profoundly enrich his people. And this message alone will save humanity. This is the power of the gospel of God, and we will not be ashamed.
