What is the Gospel?

This is such an important question that we as believers need to ask ourselves.  What do we really believe about God? What is the purpose of life?  The Gospel is a glorious story – it’s God’s story.  The word Gospel comes from the Greek word “Euangelion” which means “good news”.  God has written a beautiful story of good news. 

God’s story begins and ends with God; He is the Alpha and the Omega.  God is the “main character” and center of the whole story. In the book of Genesis – the book of the beginnings – we find God, the mysterious and glorious trinity, speaking creation into existence.  On the sixth day of creation God creates humanity in His very own image.  The central storyline in God’s story is the creation of a family, a bride for His Son. 

God created Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, and placed them in a garden.  This was where God and man would dwell together.  Soon we find the entrance of sin - distrust in the nature of God and rebellion in the heart of man - the problem that separates sinful humanity from the Holy One. Satan deceived humanity regarding the nature of God and we fell to the sin of pride.  It is here in the face of our sin that God promises to raise up a Deliverer of humanity and Restorer of relationship between God and man, the Seed of the woman.  This Promised Seed would be birthed through a family and connected to a land where God and man would once again dwell together. 

In the fullness of time God brought forth the Promised Seed - Jesus Christ - through His covenant people Israel.  Jesus lived a perfect life and preached the good news of a coming Kingdom. Jesus was crucified, buried and raised from the dead on the third day by the power of God.  His sinless life and sacrificial death on the cross made atonement for sinful humanity.  Jesus ascended into heaven, took His seat at the right hand of His Father and promised to return, bringing heaven to earth.

Ten days after Jesus ascended into Heaven He sent forth His Holy Spirit to dwell in the hearts of His disciples. He is our Helper who leads us into the truth of who God is. Through His Holy Spirit and chosen authors, God wrote a love letter to His Bride. We get to know more of His nature, desires and plans through His words in the Bible. 

In the book of Revelation we find a dramatic climax and culmination to this chapter in God’s story.  Jesus is returning for a Bride and He is bringing heaven and earth together.  No longer will there be any separation or sin.  All things will be made new. God’s desire to dwell in unhindered relationship with humanity will be fulfilled.  Oh what good news!  Jesus is coming, He will rule the nations and we will be together forever!  Even so Lord, come!