What is the good news?
"Gospel" derives from the Old English word, "gódspel," combining gód (good) and spel (news). This English term is a transliteration of the Greek word "euangelion," meaning “good news”. So the Christian message is all about the "good news."
The first words of Jesus in the book of Mark are:
- “The time has come, and God’s kingdom is near. Change the way you think and act, and believe the Good News.”[1]
What is this good news that Jesus spoke about?
Simply, it is that Jesus came to show us God’s love, initiate His kingdom, die for our sins, and abolish religion. Jesus, the eternal Son of God become fully human and rose from the dead as the head of His church, the body of Christ.
The Good News is told to us through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and the other books of the New Testament:
- God’s divine power has given us everything we need for life and for godliness. This power was given to us through knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and integrity. Through his glory and integrity he has given us his promises that are of the highest value. Through these promises you will share in the divine nature because you have escaped the corruption that sinful desires cause in the world.[2]
God has placed gifts in the church to help us mature (Eph 4) but these are not necessary for our salvation. We do not need an "end-time prophet" to become part of God's church, His bride.
Footnotes