Understanding God's Word... What Is the Gospel?

Some christians don't have the full meaning of the gospel that Christ brought. Here's the full story.

You can understand the gospel or good news by reading your Bible.

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What is the gospel? Is it the gospel of God? The gospel of Jesus Christ? The gospel about Christ? The gospel of the Kingdom of God? Or some other gospel? Is there more than one gospel? What gospel did Jesus preach? What did He instruct His disciples to teach? What about Paul? Did he teach the same gospel Jesus Christ taught? Or was it different from the gospel God sent through Christ?

The apostle Paul wrote of contemporaries who were perverting the gospel, teaching something other than what he taught. He marveled that, as a result, some were turning away from the gospel so soon after accepting it. Some say Jesus Christ is the gospel. If so, how does that concept fit in with the Kingdom of God, which is the focus of the good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . He taught?

What do we mean gospel? The literal meaning of the word is "good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament .." But good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . of what? Let's understand the exciting answers revealed in the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.!

Discussion : The gospel, or good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament ., has its roots in the very beginning, even before the creation of the universe. Contrary to popular opinion, the gospel didn't begin with Jesus Christ's earthly ministry in the New TestamentThe 27 authoritative books of the apostolic writings: the four Gospels of Christ, Acts (a history), 21 apostolic letters and the book of Revelation..

• Is the gospel revealed by Jesus Christ, even though it had been planned from time immemorial?
  
  (2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
  See All..., 10).

Note: From the beginning the message was called the gospel of Jesus Christ and the gospel of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
See All..., 14, 15).

• Did Jesus instruct His disciples to preach the same good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament .? (Luke 9:1Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
  See All..., 2).
• Did Jesus preach the same message after His resurrection? (Acts 1:3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
  See All...).
• What gospel did Peter preach? (Acts 15:7And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
  See All...).
• Did other followers of Christ continue to teach the same good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament .? (Acts 8:12But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
  See All...).

Discussion : What about Paul? Did he preach a different message?

• Paul called the gospel his gospel. Why? (Romans 2:16In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
  See All...).
• Was it because God called him to preach it? (Romans 1:1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
  See All...).
• How did Paul receive the gospel? (Galatians 1:11But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
  See All..., 12).
• Was Paul faithful in preaching the same message Jesus and His followers preached? (Acts 20:25And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
  See All...).

Note: Paul not only faithfully preached the authentic gospel that had been delivered to him by Jesus Christ, but he was astonished that some tried to teach another gospel.

• Did Paul insist that there was only one real gospel? (Galatians 1:6-8 [6] I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
  [7] Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
  [8] But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
  
  See All...).
• In addition to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the gospel of the Kingdom of God, are there other names for the same message? (Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
  See All...; Romans 10:15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
  See All..., 16; Romans 15:16That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
  See All...; Ephesians 1:13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
  See All...).

Note: The gospel is the good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . of-or from-God and was taught by Jesus Christ and His disciples. It is God's message to mankind. This one genuine gospel has different names, each emphasizing an aspect of the message. Focusing on only one aspect while excluding others forms an incomplete picture.

Discussion : A part of the gospel message involves the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is the key figure-He is of first importance-in God's plan for mankind.

• How important is this? (1 Corinthians 15:1-5 [1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
  [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
  [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
  [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
  [5] And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
  
  See All...).
• Through whom do the dead and the living receive eternal life? (John 11:25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
  See All..., 26).
• Who is the door through which we enter the Kingdom? (Acts 4:12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
  See All...).
• How are our sins removed? (Hebrews 9:11But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
  See All..., 12).

Discussion : What does the gospel tell us about Christ's present and future role?

• Who is our Savior and High Priest, our Intercessor? (Hebrews 10:19-23 [19] Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
  [20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
  [21] And having an high priest over the house of God;
  [22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
  [23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
  
  See All...).
• Who will be King of Kings and Lord of Lords in the coming Kingdom of God? (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 19:11-16 [11] And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
  [12] His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
  [13] And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of GodThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ..
  [14] And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
  [15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
  [16] And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
  
  See All...).
• If Jesus is to become King of Kings, what will be the extent of His Kingdom? (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 11:15And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
  See All...).

Note: The Kingdom of God of which Jesus Christ spoke will be a future world-ruling kingdom inaugurated at His return. The entire earth will be brought under His dominion and rulership.

• How long will this kingdom, ruled by Jesus Christ, last? (Daniel 2:44And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
  See All...).

Discussion : Jesus Christ is the key figure in the gospel message. But was Jesus Christ the gospel? Does the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. teach us other things about the gospel?

• Did preaching the good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . include announcing the Kingdom of God as well as emphasizing Christ's life, death and resurrection? (Acts 28:31Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
  See All...).
• Are repentance of sin and belief in the gospel required? (Mark 1:15And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
  See All...).
• Is the gospel also a message of obedience? (Romans 10:16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
  See All...; 1 Peter 4:17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
  See All...).
• Are there other words to describe the good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . brought by Jesus Christ? Didn't the apostle John write that Jesus' message was that His people should love one another? Wasn't this message of love in existence from before the beginning of the creation of mankind? (1 John 3:11For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
  See All...; 2 John 5, 6).

Discussion : Many believe that the gospel didn't begin until Jesus began teaching it as recorded in the New TestamentThe 27 authoritative books of the apostolic writings: the four Gospels of Christ, Acts (a history), 21 apostolic letters and the book of Revelation.. But the good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . existed long before New TestamentThe 27 authoritative books of the apostolic writings: the four Gospels of Christ, Acts (a history), 21 apostolic letters and the book of Revelation. days. As alluded to in the first part of this study, the gospel is rooted in God's plan from the very beginning. This is acknowledged by the apostle Paul in one of his letters to Timothy.

• Wasn't our calling from God in place even before creation? Isn't it now made manifest by the appearing, by virtue of His physical birth and life on earth, of our Savior Jesus Christ? (2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
  See All..., 10)./li>
• Christ revealed the gospel to mankind, but didn't it exist, wasn't it in effect, millennia before that time, even before the world began? (Titus 1:2In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
  See All...).

Discussion: The book of Genesis starts with an offer of the tree of life to Adam and Eve. They rebelled against God and chose wrongly. Isn't the rest of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. the unfurling of God's plan to redeem-to buy back-all of humanity and give it the tree of life, symbolic of immortality? (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 22:1And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
See All..., 2).

Note: The broad theme of ScriptureThe divinely inspired writings of both the Old and New Testaments. The term Scripture is used in the New Testament to refer to both the Hebrew Bible (Luke 24:44-45) and the new apostolic writings accepted as inspired (2 Peter 3:16; 1 Timothy 5:18). and the message of the gospel is God's plan to give to humanity eternal life in His family. This represents the heart of the gospel. Everything else fits onto this framework.

• Doesn't the message of the gospel mean that we may partake of the very nature of God by escaping the corrupting influence of the world? (2 Peter 1:4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
  See All...).
• Doesn't the gospel of the Kingdom of God mean that we are redeemed, or "bought back," by Jesus' sacrifice, which was planned before the creation of the universe? (1 Peter 1:18-20 [18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
  [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
  [20] Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
  
  See All...; Matthew 25:34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
  See All...).

Note: The first chapter of the GospelThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . of Mark succinctly chronicles the beginning of the gospel of the Kingdom of God as preached by Jesus Christ.

• After Jesus' baptism, what message did He immediately begin to preach? (Mark 1:14Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
  See All...).
• In preaching the gospel message, what action did Jesus call for on the part of a new believer? (Mark 1:15And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
  See All..., 17).
• Can the gospel be preached from Old TestamentThose books that make up the Hebrew Bible generally accepted by Christians, Jews and to some extent Muslims. It contains a threefold division: the Law (the five books of Moses), the Prophets and the Writings. scriptures? (Acts 28:23And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
  See All...).
• Did the ScripturesThe divinely inspired writings of both the Old and New Testaments. The term Scripture is used in the New Testament to refer to both the Hebrew Bible (Luke 24:44-45) and the new apostolic writings accepted as inspired (2 Peter 3:16; 1 Timothy 5:18). preach the gospel to Abraham? (Galatians 3:8And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
  See All..., 9).
• Did the prophets of God from the beginning preach the same message-about Christ, repentance and the Kingdom to come? (Acts 3:18-26 [18] But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
  [19] Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
  [20] And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
  [21] Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
  [22] For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
  [23] And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
  [24] Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
  [25] Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
  [26] Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
  
  See All...).
• Did EnochThe firstborn son of Cain; a city in Nod named after Cain's firstborn son (Genesis 4:17-18)., one of God's early servants, preach the same basic message of God? (Jude 14, 15).
• Isn't the gospel of the Kingdom the same message, or "mystery," God has revealed to His followers through the ages, both before and after the time of Jesus Christ on earth? (Ephesians 3:9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
  See All..., 10).

Discussion : What about the future of the preaching of the gospel?

• Will the good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . continue to be preached? (Matthew 28:19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
  See All..., 20; Mark 16;15, 16).
• How long will the gospel be preached? (Matthew 24:14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
  See All...).

Further study : The one and only gospel is and always has been the message of God to mankind. It has been the same message throughout man's history. That message is called by various names because it has various aspects.

The gospel involves man's need for salvation and God's requirement for man's repentance from sin and a belief in and acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It foretells the return of our great Savior, who will bring grace, peace and salvation as He establishes His Kingdom on earth. For further information, request our free booklet The GospelThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . of the Kingdom . GN