The Greek word “euangelion” (translated “gospel”) originally made reference to a reward for good tidings, but later the idea of reward was dropped leaving the word to simply stand for the good news itself. [source: W.E. Vine] Associated with Jesus is good news. At our Lord’s birth it was good news that angels heralded. (Luke 2:10) And because of what Jesus took on flesh to fulfill — the giving of His body on the cross on our behalf — we have good news.
Reminding Christians at Corinth about the good news he had preached to them — truths core to the gospel message — Paul wrote. . .
“(1) Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, (2) and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you — unless you believed in vain. (3) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, (4) that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, (5) and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-5 ESV)
That Christ died for our sins is definitely good news since we could not save ourselves from our sins. Jesus took on flesh to give His flesh on our behalf. By the power of His blood shed on the cross we are cleansed of our sins. (note 1 John 1:7) It is by His blood we have been sanctified — made holy — once for all! (Hebrews 10:10) Yes, that is definitely good news! However, that Jesus died for our sins is not the only good news. There is also good news associated with His resurrection. That is also core to the Gospel message.
Paul went on to note in the letter to Corinth that our hope in Christ is not only for this life. (1 Corinthians 15:19) We have hope beyond this life. The fact of our Lord’s resurrection assures us of ours! (1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 35-57) As our Lord’s coming onto life’s scene as an infant was noted as “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10), so it is good news in consideration of His coming again. (1 Corinthians 15:23) Because of Jesus we have good news in life and in death. Therefore, despite any bad news in this realm, may our faith be bolstered by the everlasting good news connected with our Lord as we live prepared for the coming yet to come!
Have a great day ABIDING IN CHRIST IN WHOM WE HAVE ABIDING GOOD NEWS!
Carl
