WHAT IS THE GOODNEWS: A MESSAGE THAT WILL SOON REACH THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL? WHAT IS THE GOODNEWS? IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?

These are questions many people ask, and you may be surprised by how many people - even those who have called themselves Christians for years - may struggle to clearly explain what the Gospel actually is. This is why it is so important for us as believers and followers of Jesus Christ to understand the Gospel for ourselves, live according to its truth, and be able to share the Good News with others. So, what exactly is the Gospel, and why does it matter? Let's dive deeper.

Through the years, I have often seen a big white ute driving past in traffic with the number plate “GOSPEL.” To believers, it can serve as a reminder of the message of hope we have received. To unbelievers, it may spark curiosity and cause someone to ask, “What is the Gospel?” And for others, it may raise another question: “What Gospel are you talking about - the four Gospels of the New Testament, the message of Good News, or something else?”

The English word gospel translates the Greek word euangelion, meaning good news or good message. The Hebrew word besorah likewise carries the meaning of good news, news, or glad tidings. So, what is the difference between the Gospel and the Good News? There isn't one. The Gospel is the Good News. But to understand why it is Good News, we first need to understand why we need it.

THE PROBLEM OF SIN

The Bible tells us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” - Romans 3:23 (NKJV). But what does that mean, and what exactly is sin? Sin is more than outward wrongdoing. It is rebellion against God and falling short of His holy standard, and Scripture shows us that sin also reaches into the heart. Lying, stealing, hatred, unforgiveness, sexual immorality, idolatry, greed, jealousy, pride, and disobedience are among the many ways sin can be expressed. Romans 5:12 teaches that sin entered the world through one man and death through sin. None of us can claim that we have never sinned. We have all fallen short, and none of us can save ourselves. This is why we need a Saviour.

JESUS CHRIST - OUR SAVIOUR

God did not leave humanity without hope. Scripture says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

Jesus Christ lived without sin and willingly gave His life for us. The Gospel is not the message that we can somehow become good enough to reach God. It is the Good News of what God has done for sinners through Jesus Christ.

THE CROSS

Romans 6:23 teaches that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NKJV). At the cross, Jesus gave His life for our sins. The cross shows us the seriousness of sin while also revealing God's incredible love, justice, mercy, and grace. Salvation is not something we can purchase, achieve, or deserve through our own efforts.

Jesus did for us what we could never do for ourselves.

HE IS RISEN

But the Gospel does not end at the cross. Jesus rose from the dead. Paul summarises the heart of the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4: Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. Christianity is not centered on a Saviour who remained in a tomb. Jesus Christ is risen. He is alive. His resurrection is essential to the Good News. Our Saviour is alive!

REPENT AND BELIEVE

So, how should we respond to the Good News? Jesus proclaimed, “Repent, and believe in the gospel.” - Mark 1:15 (NKJV). Repentance is more than simply feeling sorry for sin. It involves turning away from sin and turning towards God. We are called to place our faith in Jesus Christ, believing who He is and trusting in what He accomplished through His death and resurrection. Salvation cannot be earned through good works, religious activity, attending church, or simply trying to become a better person. Ephesians 2:8–9 teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not through our own works. Salvation is God's gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ.

A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

The Gospel is not only about what happens after we die. Those who belong to Christ are called into a new life with Him. Scripture says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation...” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV). Following Jesus means learning His Word, growing in relationship with Him, turning away from old ways, walking in obedience, and allowing God to transform us. We will not become perfect overnight. The Christian life is one of continuing faith, repentance, obedience, growth, and dependence upon God. The Gospel changes who we belong to and how we live now.

THE GOOD NEWS IS FOR EVERYONE

The Gospel invitation is not restricted by nationality, background, social position, past failures, or how far someone believes they have wandered from God. Jesus commanded His followers, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” - Mark 16:15 (NKJV). The Good News is not something believers were meant to keep to themselves. We have been entrusted with a message the world needs to hear.

TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” - Matthew 24:14 (NKJV). The Gospel proclaimed by the first followers of Jesus continues to be proclaimed throughout the world today. Not every believer will stand behind a pulpit, travel to another nation, or have a public ministry. But wherever God has placed us - in our homes, families, workplaces, communities, schools, businesses, ministries, and everyday conversations - we can point people towards Jesus Christ. The Gospel is Good News to receive, live out, and share.

A REMINDER & ENCOURAGEMENT

Maybe you have followed Jesus for many years and the word Gospel has become so familiar that you have forgotten just how precious the message is. Go back to the foundation and remember what Christ has done for you. Let the Gospel produce gratitude, humility, obedience, worship, and a desire to tell others about Jesus. Perhaps you have heard the word Gospel many times but have never really understood what it means. The Good News is that although we cannot save ourselves, God has made the way for sinners to be reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ.

REFLECT 📝

Take a moment and ask yourself:

• Do I truly understand the Gospel?

• Have I become so familiar with it that I have forgotten how precious it is?

• Is the way I live consistent with the Good News I say I believe?

• Who has God placed around me who needs to hear about Jesus Christ?

• And if you have never responded to the Gospel, ask yourself: Do I recognise my need for a Saviour?

• What is stopping me from turning to Jesus Christ?

BEFORE YOU GO

The Gospel is not simply information to understand. It calls for a response. If you already belong to Jesus, don't lose sight of the Gospel you have received. Continue living according to its truth and be ready to share the hope you have with others. And perhaps today is the first time you have truly understood the Good News. You do not have to clean yourself up first or somehow become good enough for God. Come honestly before Him. Repent and believe the Gospel. Turn from sin towards God and place your faith in Jesus Christ. Through Him there is forgiveness, reconciliation with God, salvation, new life, and the hope of eternal life. That is why it is called Good News.

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A PRAYER FOR YOU 🕊️

Father, thank You for Your love and for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. Help us never to become so familiar with the Gospel that we lose sight of how powerful and precious this Good News truly is.

Bring us continually back to the foundation of the Gospel. Let its truth shape the way we live, deepen our gratitude for what Christ has done, and give us courage and love to share Jesus with the people You place around us.

For anyone hearing the Gospel who does not yet know Christ, open their heart to understand their need for a Saviour. Lead them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, trusting not in their own goodness or works but in Your grace and what Jesus has done.

May the Good News of Jesus Christ continue to go forth throughout the nations, and may our lives point people towards Him until the Gospel reaches the ends of the earth.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

BE ENCOURAGED.

ALL GLORY TO GOD MOST HIGH 🔥

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