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What Is the Gospel? // Ask An African Pastor

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The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is really the best news in the world. I say that because that’s in fact the very meaning of the word ‘gospel’. It simply means good news.

What Is The Gospel?

The Bible and its authors captured this word because it rightly represents that which is brought to us by God, as the means by which we would be reconciled to him. The means by which our lives will be transformed. The means by which we will be ushered finally into heaven itself.

The word ‘gospel’ simply means good news.

The apostle Paul, for instance, writing to the Romans, puts it this way in the famous Romans 1:16. He says “for I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew and also to the Greek.” And then he goes on to say in verse 17 “for in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

The Answer to Our Biggest Problem

In simple terms, as human beings, from the beginning of creation we are fallen creatures. Having sinned against God through Adam and Eve. We are liable to punishment in hell and we also have corrupted natures. Whatever we try to do in order to turn those fortunes round only make us sink deeper into despair.

From the beginning of creation we are fallen creatures.

And so, there are many religions in the world, yes. But all of them are human beings trying to reach out to God. And they prove utterly useless. But praise be to God, from the dawn of creation right until Jesus Christ came, he has been giving us figures after figures that point to the ultimate coming of His son Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ Came

When Jesus Christ came, he was born absolutely perfect. He lived an absolutely perfect life. Not only in the eyes of men and women, but much more, in the eyes of God. The final determining day came when he set aside that righteousness and took on himself the guilt of his own people. And finally paid that ultimate price for our sin.

the son of God took our place, as our substitute. Took the guilt of our sin and paid the ultimate price

As the Bible puts it in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Well that indeed is the epitome of the good news. The fact that the son of God took our place, as our substitute. Took the guilt of our sin and paid the ultimate price by being punished by God in our place.

A Life in Union with God

And the good news is this: that if we turn from sin, in genuine repentance and believe this good news, concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, then his righteousness is given to us absolutely freely. So that we can now be reconciled to the living God and begin to live in union with him.

it is our union with God that results in all the spiritual blessings

Notice what I have said, “in union with him”. Because it is that union that then results in all the spiritual blessings. Our ability to overcome sin. Our adoption into God’s family and so many other blessings that come with being children of God. Until, in God inspired regeneration leading all the way to perseverance, we find ourselves in heaven.

That’s the good news. That’s the gospel. And I really hope that’s what you believe in.