[425 words]
Gospel = Good News. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that sinners can be saved! Thanks to the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, sinners like you and me have hope because we can be cleansed of our sins and made righteous in the sight of God.
Romans 1:1-17 has so much to say about the Gospel. It is very helpful in our understanding this important topic. Additionally, this passage helps us to be ever more thankful for God and His plan of salvation.
First, we learn that the Gospel was promised via prophets (Rom. 1:2). For centuries the prophets of God had been spreading the message of good news that a Savior was coming to rescue the world and to set people free. This wasn’t a last minute invention. Make note of passages like Genesis 3:15; 12:3; 22:18; Psalm 110; Isaiah 53, etc. The Good News is not new – yet it remains continually relevant.
Second, we learn that the Gospel brings salvation (Romans 1:16). Sinners can be saved! We are often over-come by the reality and the weight of our sin. In moments like these, it is good news to hear that we have hope! It is good news to hear that we can be changed, different, and made new! Additionally, it is good news to hear that we don’t have to save ourselves! We are so weak, ignorant, sinful, and broken…we couldn’t save ourselves even if we wanted to. The good news is God offers us hope and a way out. Jesus, the descendant of David rose from the grave demonstrating God’s power to give life and rule over death (Romans. 1:3-4). We rely on His power, not our own.
Third, we learn that we have obligations in light of the glorious Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:5,16). The message must be shared and obeyed! So many will remain ignorant if we don’t love them enough to tell them the Good News. Finally, God has expectations and places divine demands upon us. We obey the Gospel by dying, being buried, and being raised with Jesus Christ in repentance and baptism. Make note of passages like 2 Thess. 1:8; 1 Pet. 4:17; Col. 2:12-13; Romans 6:3-5. God has determined that baptism is the moment in time in which we are washed, cleansed, added to the kingdom, and renewed.
Let us demonstrate in word and action that we are thankful for the Gospel!
Bart Warren
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY