As simple as this question might be, the ‘gospel’ is one of those words that seems to translate into different things for different people worldwide. So let’s break it down in its simplest form to understand what it truly means.
The word ‘gospel’ was gotten from the greek word ‘euangelion’ which literally translates to ‘good message’. This is where the meaning ‘good news’ comes from. As a person, what would you say is your first instinct or reaction when you hear good news? I’m assuming that your answer is that you wish to share it with someone. In the midst of your sole excitement is an innate desire to share this news and this is an entirely humane feeling. In the same vain, as Christians, the message of the gospel should have that same effect. After all, it is the ultimate good news. So it should stir up some form of excitement in you and drive you to want to share this good news with other people.
Now, you might ask, what is this good news that should get you so excited? Well, here is the reality – God gracefully sent his son, Jesus, to earth to die for you and me. He died, got buried and rose again in 3 days. While this reality might be mind-boggling to some people, it is the truth of the gospel. The beauty of it all is that anyone who believes this truth is automatically adopted as a son of God (John 3:16). How amazing is that?
There are no rules and regulations nor is there some form of ritualistic initiation required for you to enjoy the blessings of God. All you have to do is confess that Jesus is Lord and believe it in your heart (Romans 10:8). This salvation is for everyone. It’s not reserved for just the ‘good’ people or a selected group of nobles – this is what we call God’s gift to humanity. Apostle Paul says in Romans 1:16, ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings Salvation to everyone who believes’.
There seems to be a general consensus or genuine fear that God might be angry with us because we might not exactly have been good people or we might have done terrible things in our lives. But this cannot be farther from the truth. Jesus was killed as a down payment for any sin you could ever commit in the past, present or future. It’s already all been paid for! So be rest assured that you are in safe hands, regardless of the terrible things you think you have done.
God is not angry with you. He loves you, now and always. In your good and your bad. There is no condemnation in Christ. Romans chapter 1 says, ‘There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus’. Your Salvation makes you a citizen of heaven even though you are on earth and nothing you could ever do could make you lose your salvation or could ever separate you from the love of God.
In John 10:28, Jesus says, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand”. What sort of love is that? you might ask. Well, that’s the Unconditional love that God has for us. One that the human mind cannot fully comprehend or fathom but it is a form of love that exists ONLY in Christ. Having a father that loves you in spite of your flaws is the greatest blessing that anyone could ever ask for. And it is right here for you, for free!
As a Christian, you are righteous and holy not because of anything you did or did not do, but because Jesus has paid it all for you. This is the good news. This is the gospel.
No more fear, no more condemnation. Just freedom and joy!
Till next time,
Bask in the gift of your salvation and share this news with the world