‘GOSPEL’ IS A CHRISTIAN ONE-WORD SUMMARY
The word ‘gospel’ is the English translation of the Greek word ‘evangelion,’ which means ‘good news.’ From this Greek root we also get the word ‘evangelize,’ meaning to tell the gospel to others.
Gospel is a short-hand expression – a communications handle – which conveys great meaning to those who understand the profound spiritual facts which the word embraces. In Christian terminology, the word means the good news of what God will do for us personally – if we ask him – through Jesus Christ.
The Gospel first burst upon the world nearly 2,000 years ago and changed the course of history. It’s been distorted, misunderstood and often buried under layers of church tradition; but it’s still as relevant and powerful as ever. The purpose of this resource is to help people discover the gospel.
In simple language, this is the Gospel (aka/the ‘Good News’)
- Your sins can be forgiven!
- You could have God (Holy Spirit) in your life now!
- You can experience God’s presence (heaven) rather than his absence (hell) forever!
- This offer is a FREE gift!
THE GOSPEL IS THE MOST AMAZING OFFER EVER MADE
The Good News – the Gospel – is that we can live a happy life now... that we won’t go to hell... and that there’s no cost to us! It’s no wonder that people who know the gospel get so excited about it.
The Gospel is the most amazing offer ever made – surpassing the benefits of all the world’s best products and services – and it’s free and immediately available. Only God could make such an offer!
As with most of God’s ideas, a normal first reaction is that it’s too incredulous to take seriously. But upon further reflection, we realize that God works that way, in both physical and spiritual realms, with designs and plans so spectacular that they barely touch the threshold of our comprehension.
THE GOSPEL REQUIRES A PERSONAL RESPONSE
The Bible says that the benefit of the Gospel – a personal relationship with God forever – cannot be earned, purchased or demanded. The Bible says it’s a free gift offered to everyone, even though not everyone will accept it. As with any gift, it becomes ours only when we receive it according to the giver’s terms.
God gave us the Gospel as something to respond to; something to give us personal interaction with him. Believing and accepting the Gospel is the way we show love and gratitude to God. Rejecting the gospel is the way we tell him we don’t need him and want him to leave us alone.
The Gospel is highly personal and practical, determining our happiness and eternal destiny. Important aspects of the Gospel are examined in detail in Topics 53-66.
