Recovering the Power of the Gospel: Understanding the Core of Christian Belief 

The gospel message is often referred to as the “good news.” It is the central theme of the Bible. It is also the foundation of Christian faith. It encapsulates God’s plan for humanity, His love for His creation, and the pathway to eternal life. This message appears in various parts of the Bible. It ranges from the Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus Christ (Jn. :16, Mk. 1:15, Ps. 16:11). 

The Prophetic Foundation 

The gospel message is rooted in the Old Testament. Prophets foretold the coming of a Messiah who would save humanity from sin. Isaiah is one of the major prophets. He speaks of a “suffering servant” who would bear the iniquities of the people (Isaiah 53). Similarly, the book of Micah predicts that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). These prophecies set the stage for the arrival of Jesus Christ. They affirm the continuity of the gospel message from the Old to the New Testament. 

The Promise of Redemption 

From the earliest chapters of Genesis, the Bible introduces the concept of redemption. After the fall of Adam and Eve, God makes a promise. He pledges a Savior who would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). This act symbolizes the defeat of sin and death. This promise of redemption is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. It is clear in the covenants made with Noah, Abraham, and David. These covenants highlight God’s unwavering commitment to restoring His relationship with humanity. 

The Fulfillment in Jesus Christ 

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – give detailed accounts of Jesus’ ministry. They describe His teachings and miracles. His ultimate sacrifice on the cross is also detailed. Jesus’ mission was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). His resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It affirms His victory over sin and death. 

Jesus’ Teachings 

Jesus’ teachings form the core of the gospel message. He preached about the Kingdom of God, calling for repentance and faith in Him. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a profound exposition of His moral and ethical teachings. It emphasizes love, humility, and righteousness. Parables like the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan illustrate God’s grace and forgiveness. They also convey the call to love one’s neighbor. 

The Sacrificial Lamb 

Central to the gospel message is the concept of atonement. Jesus is described as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). His sacrificial death on the cross is the means by which humanity’s sins are forgiven. The Apostle Paul explains this in his letters. He particularly emphasizes this in Romans. He writes, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. All are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24). 

The Resurrection and Eternal Life 

The resurrection of Jesus is pivotal to the gospel message. It confirms His divinity, validates His teachings, and guarantees the promise of eternal life for believers. Paul emphasizes the importance of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. He states that if Christ has not been raised, then Christian faith is futile. The resurrection assures believers of their own future resurrection and eternal life with God. 

The Great Commission 

Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission before His ascension. He instructed them, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” He then instructed them to baptize the disciples in the name of the Father. They were also to baptize in the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. He also said to teach them to obey everything I have commanded you (Matt. 28:19-20). This commission underscores the responsibility of Christians to spread the gospel message and make disciples, continuing Jesus’ mission on earth. 

The Gospel in the Epistles 

The epistles, primarily written by the Apostle Paul, further elaborate on the gospel message and its implications for believers. They cover various aspects of Christian life, like faith, grace, and sanctification. Ephesians 2:8-9 encapsulates the essence of the gospel. It states: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. This is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God. It is not by works, so that no one can boast.” 

Living Out the Gospel 

The gospel message calls for a life-changing response. Believers are urged to live according to the teachings of Jesus, embodying love, compassion, and holiness. The epistles offer practical guidance on how to live out the gospel in daily life. They emphasize the importance of community, service, and spiritual growth. 

The Hope of Glory 

The gospel message culminates in the hope of glory—the promise of eternal life with God. Revelation is the final book of the Bible. It provides a vivid depiction of this hope. It describes a new heaven and a new earth where God will dwell with His people. Revelation 21:4 offers a glimpse of this glorious future: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning. There will be no more crying or pain. The old order of things has passed away.” 

In conclusion, the gospel message in the Bible is a profound narrative of God’s love. It speaks of redemption and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. It is a message that has transformed countless lives and continues to offer hope and salvation to all who believe. 

On April 20, 2025, Resurrection Sunday, Christians around the world will gather at church services. They come together to commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. On this day, let us not only celebrate his death. Instead, let us earnestly seek to be transformed by the power of God. This transformation into newness of life is what Christ died for all who would believe.

 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (Phil. 1:9-11 NLT).

Blessing,

Minister A. Francine Green

Notes:

All Scripture references are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE) unless otherwise noted).