But what is the Gospel? John Fonville offers this:
In brief, the gospel is a joyful announcement (Lk. 2:10) about Christ, that He is the Son of God (Jn. 1:1, 18; 20:28; Rom. 9:5; Col. 1:15-19; 2:9; Titus 2:13; Heb. 1:3, 8; 1 Jn. 5:20; 2 Pet. 1:1) and became man for us (Matt. 1:23; Lk 2:10-11; Jn. 1:14; 1 Tim. 3:16; Philip. 2:7-8; 1 Pet. 1:20; 1 John 1:1-2), that he died for us (1 Cor. 15:3b; Rom. 3:25-26; 1 Peter 2:24), was buried (1 Cor. 15:4a) and was raised for us (Matt. 28:1-10; Mk. 16:1-8; Lk. 24:1-12; Jn. 20:1-10; Acts 2:24-32; 1 Cor. 15:3-4), that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve and then to more than five hundred brothers at one time (1 Cor. 15:3-8), that He has ascended to Heaven (Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:9-11; 2:34; Philip. 2:9-11) where He is now seated at the right hand of God and been established as Lord over all things (Eph. 1:20-21; Heb. 1:3; 10:12). He presently is reigning as King and Head of His church (Eph. 1:20-23; Col. 1:18; Matt. 28:18; John 5:22-23) and will one day come again to judge the living and the dead (John 5:22, 27; Acts 1:11; Acts 10:42; 2 Tim. 4:1; 1 Pet. 4:5).
Well certainly that is Scriptural. As I commented in the past regarding Mark Dever's wonderful description of the Gospel, it's hard to bring something so awesome and all encompassing down to a simple sentence or even paragraph. Missing in the above is the why of the Good News, that is that we, as rebel sinners, are doomed to an eternity of suffering without it. I like however that it included (unlike Dever's) a phrase addressing the Kingdom. I'll repeat it for emphasis!
He presently is reigning as King and Head of His church! That has real meaning in our lives today. The Kingdom of God is here. That turns our whole worldview upside down - if you get it. Or to use the Bible word, repent.
Acts 28.23-28; When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
“‘Go to this people, and say,
You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.
For this people's heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
It hasn't changed today. The Gospel is Good News. It is about our King and His Kingdom. It was central to Jesus' message. He repeated it when He reappeared after the crucifixion. Paul proclaimed it through the end of his ministry. In two thousand years, little has changed. Many, even within the Church, deny (or fail to understand) the reality of the Kingdom.
How could we have missed communicating this message. As John Calvin states:
There is nothing more notable or glorious in the church than the ministry of the Gospel.
HT:PC (thanks Peter - very helpful)
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