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 gospel is defined in Galatians 3:8, “Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” In other words, the gospel (literally meaning, “good news”) is the promise that all people will be blessed through Abraham's seed. The angel announced the same “good news” to the shepherds in Luke 2:10, “And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
This gospel has great power. Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (or Gentiles).” Jesus came first to Israel, but after the nation rejected him, the gospel was preached to all.
Presently, the gospel is only calling the church class. “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” The special salvation includes a special reward in heaven, as is shown in Romans 2:6,7, “He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.”
Yet, the rest still are saved. Jesus “himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world,” 1 John 2:2, CSB. Acts 24:15 explains, “there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.” The unjust, the unbelievers, will not have this special heavenly reward, but are still ransomed. “…God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth…” 1 Timothy 2:3-6 (KJV).
Furthermore, Isaiah 35:5-10 teaches the ransomed (all mankind) are resurrected to live on a perfect earth without physical ailments, and with no need to be afraid. They will have the opportunity to learn about God and His ways (Revelation 22:17). Those who choose to disobey God's laws of love will die the second death and cease to exist. However, most of mankind will rejoice in Christ’s kingdom. Isaiah 11:9, “They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”
The gospel is God's good news to man that His original plan has not failed - that man WILL be made alive and receive God's blessings eternally on a perfected earth. This truly is good news, and it is good news for everyone who has ever lived!
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1232: “Is the Gospel Obsolete?”
Discovering the importance of the gospel in our narcissistic society
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show NotesFor children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated video: What is the Gospel?
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