The Gospel Defined - Experience The Scriptures

Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

What is the Gospel.

We read above that it is a mystery that is being revealed. This means the Gospel existed prior to… it being revealed… God in His plan began to reveal this mystery beginning in the book of Matthew. God throughout history has revealed certain things to certain individuals or groups at specific times for specific reasons. This is part of the Bible having right divisions (2 Timothy 2:15)

This article will define and explain the Gospel; understanding the facts behind it, what is it for and how to present it to others.

The Definition:

As we reveal the mystery we need to start with the basic definition. The Gospel means “The Good News”, but the good news about what? The “Good News” is further explained as the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Reading through the New Testament we find that the understanding of and use of the word Gospel develops into a rather involved definition; where the very use of the word encompasses so much information in one simple word.

The Word Gospel is first mentioned in Matthew 4:23; here the word is used in its basic definition of the Good News.

Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

However we find that the word develops to something even greater as we find in 1 Timothy 1:11 that the Gospel is more than the good news but rather a method or philosophy.

1 Timothy 1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
That is why it is important to research this transition and development of the meaning of the Gospel. To truly understand the mystery that has been revealed.

The Power in the Gospel

The Gospel in itself has power behind it; like a powerful speech from a commander that can motivate an army to victory. This power can be experienced in its presentation, power transferred through receiving it and in its power to transform lives. In this context while it still has “the Good News” as part of it… you can see how it means so much more.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

1 Corinthians 9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

1 Corinthians 9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

There are different Gospels:

1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

As God has changed how his truth is dispensed through the ages so has the Gospel’s definition changed as well.

Gospel of the kingdom

The Gospel is first identified here. Jesus was to lay the foundations of the Kingdom for those who would follow the law and believe in Christ. This dispensation would continue through to the death of Christ and the transition to the Church age. Note these verses:

Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Gospel of the Grace of God and Christ

These 2 verses specifically speak of grace (another name for the Church age) In this dispensation and use the message of the Gospel is not to build a future earthly Kingdom but rather dealing with someone one on one through the Holy Spirit.

Acts 20:24 But 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.

Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Paul’s Gospel

Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Paul’s Gospel sets the example. Taking all that the Gospel is and putting it to practice allowing it to transform your life. Note Paul’s confidence in this verse:

Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

He essentially is saying you have an example of how to be a Christian through me (Paul). That’s a bold statement. Paul then gives a promise on the behalf of God “and the God of peace shall be with you” but this promise is conditional for those who do those things contained in Paul’s Gospel.

Gospel of Peace

Romans 10:15 And 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!

Here we find, by name, the Gospel of peace. This is well within Paul’s Gospel but focuses on those who tell others of the Gospel and HOW the tell it…

Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Having the peace that the scriptures speak of (2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,) comes through when you are presenting the Gospel.. If you are sharing it with force, malice, prejudice or envy… people can tell…

Everlasting Gospel

Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

Here in this dispensation the Gospel takes on a new path as the King is claiming His eternal kingdom. This good news is setting things right that has been turned upside down for 7000 years.. So this Everlasting Gospel ensures that ALL know without exception or excuse.

False Gospel

2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Galatians 1:6 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.

There is indeed a false Gospel where the scriptures are not rightly divided. (2 Timothy 2:15) Whether the false Gospel is presented out of ignorance or with pure intention it is still false.. and we are cautioned to be aware of it.. why? Because even a false Gospel contains a measure of truth and this measure is all that it takes to mislead those who do not know the scriptures.

How the Gospel is Delivered

Preaching

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Publishing it

Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

Ministering by it

Romans 15:16 That 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.

Speaking of it one on one

Galatians 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

By the Holy Ghost

1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

The Gospel is to be presented like a gift. Preaching is the preferred method of delivery seeing that preaching the Gospel is used over 40 times, nearly half of the uses of the word.

Conclusion:

So This “Good News” called the Gospel grew over multiple dispensations to become something even greater… without ever loosing the base definition. Even today when the word “Gospel” is mentioned it brings to ones thoughts everything pure and Holy that has ever been touched by Christ.