Gospel
“Good news or glad tidings”
Summary
The good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, proclaiming deliverance from sin and reconciliation with God.
☩Meaning of the Term
The word 'gospel' derives from the Anglo-Saxon word meaning 'the story concerning God' or 'good story.' In the New Testament, the Greek euaggelion means 'good news,' proclaiming tidings of deliverance. It signifies a gift from God, the proclamation of forgiveness of sins and sonship with God restored through Christ. The gospel is not only a message of salvation but also the instrument through which the Holy Spirit works.
☩Various Designations
Scripture uses several terms to describe the gospel's character and source. It is called 'the gospel of the grace of God' because it flows from God's free love and is accompanied by divine influence. It is 'the gospel of the kingdom' because it treats of the kingdom of grace and shows the way to glory. It is styled 'the gospel of Christ' because He is both author and subject. It is 'the gospel of peace and salvation' because it publishes peace with God and ensures eternal salvation to believers.
☩Progressive Revelation
The gospel was progressively revealed throughout Scripture. It was good news to Adam that the Seed of the woman would bruise the serpent's head, and to Abraham that in his Seed all nations would be blessed. The gospel was preached to Israel concerning deliverance from Egypt and the promised land, though many failed to believe. In the New Testament, the gospel is proclaimed in its fullness as the complete revelation of salvation through Christ.
Related Verses208 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Gospel," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Gospel," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Gospel," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).