The Gospel -- REALLY Good News!
The word gospel is used some 100 times in the New Testament. It's a powerful word that is translated as "good news or good tidings" and it's the same word from which we get evangelism which thus means the spreading of good news. The gospel of Christ is wonderful, perfect, amazing, and powerful. It is truly the best news we'll ever read or hear. God's word outlines numerous reasons why Christ's gospel is so great.
The gospel is good news because it links us to God's blessings. Throughout history, seeking the knowledge of God's will and then following it has always led to His blessings. In Deuteronomy 28:2, we read that, "all... blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God." Paul says the gospel is the power unto salvation and that by reading it, we can understand what our Creator desires from us and how we can be blessed (Romans 1:16; Ephesians 3:4).
The gospel is also good news because God's word is filled with lots of examples of men and women that we can reflect on and emulate. Abraham, Moses, Joseph, and Joshua are men of character and obedience. The apostles, Dorcas, and Epaphroditus are individuals who stood up for God and took action for His cause. The Bible has included the life-stories of these and many others so that we can read them and grow stronger by appreciating their examples. As we read the accounts of these men and women, we should appreciate how great that is!
Thirdly, the gospel is truly great news because the good news of Christ's gospel is centered around a new and better covenant between God and His people. Paul acknowledged as much when he spoke about the power of the gospel and stated that its power was for all people, regardless of their heritage (Romans 1:16). Paul also described the Old Law as a "tutor" to bring us to Christ, but now that we have Christ and His law, we no longer need the law of Moses which was not as good as the one we live under (Galatians 3:24-25; Hebrews 8:7-8).
Finally, the gospel is really good news because it provides us the message as to how we can obtain salvation and spend eternity with our God in heaven. Jesus pointed out His purpose in Luke 9:56, stating that, "the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them." Our Savior also taught that those who hear His word and believe in Him would have everlasting life (John 5:24). The gospel also includes the commands to repent and be baptized so that our sins can be washed away (Acts 2:38). What great news it is that our loving and magnificent God has authored the gospel to tell us how we can one day live with Him.
Without any doubt, the gospel is really good news! It's something that we can read and be excited about. And, it's something that we should want to share with others as its power is designed to influence all people. Each day, allow us to make it our goal to see the gospel for what it is and do all we can to share it with others.