GOSPELDEFINITIONS

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LastUpdated:June2011

DefinitionsfromChristiansinthePast

GilbertBeebe
LikesomanyBibleterms,thewordGOSPELhasbeengivenvariousdefinitionscontrarytoits originalandpropermeaning. ThewordhasitsorigininChristbeforethefoundationoftheworld.Thiswascontainedinthe promiseGodmadebeforethefoundationoftheworld.(Tit.1:2)Thegospel,thegood newsorgoodtidingsisthedeclaredfulfilmentofthatpromise. InIsaiah61:13isfoundtheoutstandingproclamationmadebytheSumandSubstanceofthe goodtidings,JesusChristHimself: TheSpiritoftheLordGodisuponMe,becausetheLordhasanointedMetopreachgood tidingstothemeek,HehassentMetobindupthebrokenhearted,toproclaimlibertytothe captives,andtheopeningoftheprisontothemthatarebound.Toproclaimtheacceptable yearoftheLord,andthedayofvengeanceofourGod,tocomfortallthatmourn.Toappointto themthatmourninZion,togivetothembeautyforashes,theoilofjoyformourning,the garmentofpraiseforthespiritofheaviness;thattheymightbecalledtreesofrighteousness, theplantingoftheLord,thatHemightbeglorified. TheRedeemerrepeatedthissameproclamationofHimselfinthesynagogue. Whilethispropheticalstatementisoftenquoted,itsfullsignificanceisrarelyunderstood.In thisonesweepingdeclaration,thereisencouchednotthebeginningofthegospel,notapart ofitsfulfilment,thegrandtotalofwhattheSonofMandeclaredonthecross:ITIS FINISHED! TheGreekwordevanggelionistranslatedgospelintheKingJamesVersion.Thisword, togetherwithitsrenderingofgoodtidings,gladtidingsandpreachthegospeloccurssome onehundredandeighttimesintheNewTestament,noneofwhichintimateanythinglessthan finishedredemptioninChrist.

F.F.Bruce
OnlyonesavingmessageisattestedbytheNT.Thegospeltothecircumcisionpreachedby Peterandhiscolleaguesdidnotdifferincontentfromthegospeltotheuncircumcised entrustedtoPaul(Gal.2:7),thoughtheformofpresentationmightvaryaccordingtothe audience.Paulstestimonyis,WhetherthereforeitwasIorthey[Peterandhiscolleagues],so wepreach,andsoyoubelieved(1Cor.15:11). Thebasicelementsinthemessagewerethese: 1.theprophecieshavebeenfulfilledandthenewageinauguratedbythecomingofChrist; 2.hewasbornintothefamilyofDavid; 3.hediedaccordingtotheScriptures,todeliverhispeoplefromthisevilage; 4.hewasburied,andraisedagainthethirdday,accordingtotheScriptures; 5.heisexaltedatGodsrighthandasSonofGod,Lordoflivinganddead; 6.hewillcomeagain,tojudgetheworldandconsummatehissavingwork.

JeremiahBurroughs
ThegospelofChristingeneralisthis: ItisthegoodtidingsthatGodhasrevealedconcerningChrist. Morelargelyitisthis: AsallmankindwaslostinAdamandbecamethechildrenofwrath,putunderthesentenceof death,God,thoughHeleftHisfallenangelsandhasreservedtheminthechainsofeternal darkness,yetHehasthoughtuponthechildrenofmenandhasprovidedawayofatonement toreconcilethemtoHimselfagainNamely,thesecondpersonoftheTrinitytakesmans natureuponHimself,andbecomestheHeadofasecondcovenant,standingchargedwithsin. Heanswersforitbysufferingwhatthelawanddivinejusticerequired,andbymaking satisfactionbykeepingthelawperfectly,whichsatisfactionandrighteousnessHetendersupto theFatherasasweetsavorofrestforthesoulsthataregiventoHimAndnowthismediation ofChristis,bytheappointmentoftheFather,preachedtothechildrenofmen,ofwhatever nationorrank,freelyofferingthisatonementuntosinnersforatonement,requiringthemto believeinHimand,uponbelieving,promisingnotonlyadischargeofalltheirformersins,but thattheyshallnotenterintocondemnation,thatnoneoftheirsinsorunworthinessshallever hinderthepeaceofGodwiththem,butthattheyshallthroughHimbereceivedintothe numberofthosewhoshallhavetheimageofGodagaintobereneweduntothem,andthey theyshallbekeptbythepowerofGodthroughfaithuntosalvation.

C.H.Dodd
TheGospelSummarizedin6Parts 1. TheAgeofFulfillmenthasdawned,thelatterdaysforetoldbytheprophets.(Acts 3:1826)

2. Thishastakenplacethroughthebirth,life,ministry,deathandresurrectionofJesus Christ.(Acts2:2231) 3. Byvirtueoftheresurrection,JesushasbeenexaltedattherighthandofGodas MessianicheadofthenewIsrael.(Acts2:3236) 4. TheHolySpiritinthechurchisthesignofChristspresentpowerandglory.(Acts10:44 48) 5. TheMessianicAgewillreachitsconsummationinthereturnofChrist.(Acts3:2021) 6. Anappealismadeforrepentancewiththeofferofforgiveness,theHolySpirit,and salvation.(Acts2:3741)

RobertA.Guelich
TheanswertoourdilemmaofhowthegospeloftheKingdomandthegospelofthecross relateisthatthegospelofthecrossisintegraltothegospeloftheKingdomifweunderstand bothtomeanexpressionofthesamegospel,namely,IsaiahspromisedgospelofGod. ThegospelthenisthemessagethatGodactedinandthroughJesusMessiah,Godsanointed one,toeffectGodspromiseofshalom,salvation,Godsreign. WhatistheGospel? InauguralAddress,FullerTheologicalSeminary(9May1989)

J.HamptonKeathley
8AspectstoTheGospel 1. ThegospelofJesusChrist(Mark1:1;1Cor.9:12)orthegospelofGodsSon(Rom.1:9). Thesetwodescriptionsspeakofthegoodnewsofsalvationthatcomesthroughthe personandworkofJesusChristwhoistheverySonofGodinhumanflesh.Again,thisis agoodnewsofdeliverancefromsinspenalty,powerandpresencethroughthetwo adventsofChrist. 2. ThegospelofthegraceofGod(Acts20:24)emphasizesthatsalvationinallofits aspectsisonthebasisofgraceratherthanonsomemeritorioussystemofworks. 3. Thegospelofthekingdom(Matt.4:23;9:35;24:14)isthegoodnewsthatGodwill establishHiskingdomonearththroughthetwoadventsoftheLordJesusChrist. 4. Thegospelofpeace(Eph.6:15)describeshowthisgoodnewsofsalvationinChrist bringspeaceinallitsmanyaspects(peacewithGod,thepeaceofGod,peacewith others,andworldpeace)throughthevictoryaccomplishedbytheSavior. 5. Theeternaloreverlastinggospel(Rev.14:6)expandsourperspectiveofgospelaswe normallythinkofit.Thisgospelasproclaimedbytheangelhasseveralkeyelementsof gloriouslygoodnewsthataredevelopedinthreecommandsandtworeasons: Command#1:FearGod.Thisreferstoaholyreverencethatrecognizesthesovereign authorityandpowerofGodtodealwithmaninHisholywrathandthus,tobringanend totheworldofsinaswenowknowit.TofearGodistorecognizeHimasthetrueGod whocandestroythesoulandnotjustthebodyasGodwilldowiththebeastof RevelationandHisantiGodsystem. Command#2:GiveHimglory.Thisreferstothepraiseandhonorthatshouldaccrue

toGodfrommankindduetoourrecognitionandhighestimationofGodasthe sovereignCreatoroftheuniverse. Command#3:AndworshipHimwhomadeThewordworshipmeanstoshow reverenceorrespect.Thiswordemphasizestheexternaldisplayasseeninour obedience,prayer,singing,andformalworship.Thewordfearemphasizesthe reverentialmentalattitudebehindtheworship.IntheTribulationpeoplewillbeforced tofearandformallyacknowledgethebeastandhisimage.Inthismessagetheangelis demandingthatmankindrejectthebeastandformallyturntoGodtoworshipHim(cf. Rev.14:11). Reason#1:Thehourofhisjudgmenthascomeisareferencetothefinaljudgmentsof theTribulationthebowljudgmentswhichareabouttooccurthatwillputanendto thesystemofthebeastandbringtheruletheLordJesus,theKingofkings.Thesewill concludewiththereturnofChristHimself(Rev.19)andleadtotheremovalofall unbelieversfromtheearth.Theemphasisistonotdelaybecausethetimeisshort. Reason#2:ThisisseeninthereferencetoGodastheCreatorinverse7b.Hereweare calledtopayattentiontotheagelessanduniversalmessageofthecreationitself.Age afteragecreationhascalledmankindtorecognizeGodsexistenceandtoseekafter Him(cf.Acts17:2627withPsalm19:16).Thismeanspeoplearewithoutexcuseand that,whentheangelproclaimsthisgospel,thehouroftheCreatorsjudgmentisabout tofall(seeRom.1:18f).Thoughthisistheessentialandprimaryelementoftheangels everlastinggospel,perhapshewillsaymorethanthisforfromagetoageapersons capacitytoreverence,glorifyandworshipGodhascomeonlythroughbelievingand knowingChrist(cf.John14:6withActs4:12;John4:2324).

GeorgeEldonLadd
IcanonlybearwitnessatthispointtowhatHeilsgeschichtemeanstome.MysenseofGods loveandacceptanceisgroundednotonlyintheresurrectedChristbutalsointheJesusof history.HetaughtsomethingaboutGodthatwasutterlynoveltohisJewishauditors:thatGod isnotonlygraciousandforgivingtotherepentantsinnerbutisalsoaseekingGodwho,in Jesuspersonandmission,hascometoseekandtosavethelost GodhasshownmethathelovesmeinthatwhileIwasyetasinner,Christdiedforme(Rom. 5:8).Thisisnotfaithinhistory;itisnotfaithinthekerygma;itisnotfaithintheBible.Itisfaith inGodwhohasrevealedhimselftomeinthehistoricaleventoftheperson,worksandwords ofJesusofNazarethwhocontinuestospeaktomethoughthepropheticwordoftheBible. TheSearchforPerspective,Interpretation25(Jan.1971),56and57. ThisisthegoodnewsaboutthekingdomofGod.Howmenneedthisgospel!Everywhereone goeshefindsthegapinggravesswallowingupthedying.Tearsofloss,ofseparation,offinal departurestaineveryface.Everytablesoonerorlaterhasanemptychair,everyfiresideits vacantplace.Deathisthegreatleveller.Wealthorpoverty,fameoroblivion,powerorfutility, successorfailure,race,creedorcultureallourhumandistinctionsmeannothingbeforethe ultimateirresistiblesweepofthescytheofdeathwhichcutsusalldown.Andwhetherthe

mausoleumisafabulousTajMahal,amassivepyramid,anunmarkedspotofraggedgrassor theunplotteddepthsoftheseaonefactstands:deathreigns. Apartfromthegospelofthekingdom,deathisthemightyconquerorbeforewhomweareall helpless.Wecanonlybeatourfistsinutterfutilityagainstthisunyieldingandunresponding tomb.Butthegoodnewsisthis:deathhasbeendefeated;ourconquerorhasbeenconquered. InthefaceofthepowerofthekingdomofGodinChrist,deathwashelpless.Itcouldnothold him,deathhasbeendefeated;lifeandimmortalityhavebeenbroughttolife.Anemptytombin Jerusalemisproofofit.Thisisthegospelofthekingdom. fromTheGospeloftheKingdom

MartinLuther
Atitsbriefest,thegospelisadiscourseaboutChrist,thatheistheSonofGodandbecameman forus,thathediedandwasraised,andthathehasbeenestablishedasLordoverallthings. ThismuchSt.Paultakesinhandandspinsoutinhisepistles.Hebypassesallthemiraclesand incidents(inChristsministry)whicharesetforthinthefourGospels,yetheincludesthewhole gospeladequatelyandabundantly.Thismaybeseenclearlyandwellinhisgreetingtothe Romans,wherehesayswhatthegospelis,andthendeclares: Paul,aservantofJesusChrist,calledtobeanapostle,setapartforthegospelofGodwhichhe promisedbeforehandthroughhisprophetsintheholyScriptures,thegospelconcerninghis Son,whowasdescendedfromDavidaccordingtothefleshanddesignatedSonofGodinpower accordingtotheSpiritofholinessbyhisresurrectionfromthedead,JesusChristourLord,etc. Thereyouhaveit.ThegospelisastoryaboutChrist,GodsandDavidsson,whodiedandwas raised,andisestablishedasLord.Thisisthegospelinanutshell. MartinLuthersBasicTheologicalWritings,pg.94

M.F.Sadler
ThewordgospelintheNewTestamentisappliedexclusivelytotheannouncementofcertain eventsoccurringataparticulartimeinthehistoryoftheworld.Theseare,theIncarnation, Birth,Baptism,Temptation,Ministry,Miracles,Betrayal,Condemnation,Death,Burial,and ResurrectionofJesus.ThisisthemeaningofthewordgospelintheopeningsentenceofSt. MarksGospel.ThisisitsmeaningintheopeningsentenceofSt.PaulsEpistletotheRomans WhenSt.Paulinanotherplace,setsforthinsomanywordsthegospelwhichhepreached,and bywhichhisconvertsweresaved,hedeclaresittobetherecordofthreefacts IfthisbetheaspectunderwhichtheGospelissetbeforeusintheNewTestament,thena ChurchwhichwouldsetforththeGospelasitiscontainedinScripturemustadheretothis Scriptureformofit.ItisnotgiventoanyChurchtoassumetobemorespiritualthanGodsHoly Spiritsoas,inplaceofthesequenceofeventsrecordedinScriptureastheGospel,virtually tosubstituteasequenceofcertaindoctrinesbeginning(say)withthesecretdecreeofGod

respectingtheelectionoftheindividualsoul,proceedingtosetforththeeffectualcalling, conversion,andjustificationofthatsoulsoelected,andculminatinginthepresentassuranceof itssalvation. PresentingtheGospelundersuchaformasthiswouldnotbescriptural,fortheScripturesdo notsetforththisastheGospel.Iamnotnowdenyingthatallthis(orsomethinglikeit) respectingindividualelection,calling,justification,andsanctification,istobefoundin Scripture,ortobeinferredfromsomeScripturestatements.Iampronouncingnoopinionupon it,exceptthatitisnotpresentedinScriptureastheGospel. TheGospeldoesnotappearinScriptureundertheaspectofcertaindealingsofGodwiththe individualsoulapartfromitsfellowsouls.Itdoesappearascertaineventsoroutwardfacts havingtodowiththeSecondPersonintheeverBlessedTrinity,whichfactsarethe Incarnation,Birth,Life,Death,Burial,Resurrection,andAscensionoftheSonofGod. M.F.Sadler,ChurchDoctrine,BibleTruth1867

RichardSibbes
Whatisthegospelitselfbutamercifulmoderation,inwhichChristsobedienceisesteemed ours,andoursinslaiduponhim,whereinGod,frombeingajudge,becomesourFather, pardoningoursinsandacceptingourobedience,thoughfeebleandblemished?Wearenow broughttoheavenunderthecovenantofgracebyawayofloveandmercy. RichardSibbes,TheBruisedReed

WilliamTyndale
Evangelion(thatwecallthegospel)isaGreekwordandsignifiethgood,merry,gladandjoyful tidings,thatmakethamansheartgladandmakethhimsing,dance,andleapforjoy[This gospelis]allofChristtherightDavid,howthathehathfoughtwithsin,withdeath,andthe devil,andovercomethem:wherebyallmenthatwereinbondagetosin,woundedwithdeath, overcomeofthedevilarewithouttheirownmeritsordeservingsloosed,justified,restoredto lifeandsaved,broughttolibertyandreconcileduntothefavorofGodandsetatonewithhim again:whichtidingsasmanyasbelievelaud,praiseandthankGod,areglad,singanddancefor joy. WilliamTyndale,APathwayintotheHolyScripture,1531

ZachariasUrsinus
ThegospelisthedoctrinewhichtheSonofGod,ourMediator,revealedfromheavenin Paradise,immediatelyafterthefall,andwhichhebroughtfromthebosomoftheEternal Father;whichpromises,andannounces,inviewofthefreegraceandmercyofGod,toallthose thatrepentandbelieve,deliverancefromsin,death,condemnation,andthewrathofGod; whichisthesamethingastosaythatitpromisesandproclaimstheremissionofsin,salvation, andeternallife,byandforthesakeoftheSonofGod,theMediator;andisthatthroughwhich

theHolySpiritworkseffectuallyintheheartsofthefaithful,kindlingandexcitinginthem,faith, repentance,andthebeginningofeternallife. Or,wemay,inaccordancewiththeeighteenth,nineteenth,andtwentiethquestionsofthe Catechism,definethegospeltobethedoctrinewhichGodrevealedfirstinParadise,and afterwardspublishedbythePatriarchsandProphets,whichhewaspleasedtorepresentbythe shadowsofsacrifices,andtheotherceremoniesofthelaw,andwhichhehasaccomplishedby hisonlybegottenSon;teachingthattheSonofGod,ourLordJesusChrist,ismadeuntous wisdom,righteousness,sanctification,andredemption;whichistosaythatheisaperfect Mediator,satisfyingforthesinsofthehumanrace,restoringrighteousnessandeternallifeto allthosewhobyatruefaithareingraftedintohim,andembracehisbenefits. ZachariusUrsinus,CommentaryontheHeidelbergCatechism,153483

DefinitionsfromChristiansinthePresent

DannyAkin
IdefinethegospelinmyAxiomsmessageasbeingthegoodnewsthatJesusChristcamefrom heaven,diedonthecrosshavinglivedaperfectsinlesslife,boretheninHisbodythefull penaltyofoursins,wasraisedfromthedead.Thosewhorepentofsinandplacetheirfaithin theperfectworkofChristcanandwillbesaved.Theresthegospel. Dr.DannyAkin,PresidentofSoutheasternSeminary,from2009interviewatKingdom People

CraigBartholomew
Gospel(fromtheOldEnglishgodspel,goodtale)meansgoodnews,andthisisthebestnews therecanbe:inJesus,thekingdomofGodhascome! TheDramaofScripture:FindingOurPlaceintheBiblicalStory

AlistairBegg
Heresthegospelinaphrase.BecauseChristdiedforus,thosewhotrustinhimmayknowthat theirguilthasbeenpardonedonceandforall.WhatwillwehavetosaybeforethebarofGods judgment?Onlyonething.Christdiedinmyplace.Thatsthegospel. fromJesus,KeepMeNeartheCross:ExperiencingthePassionandPowerofEaster

JimBelcher
ThegospelisthegoodnewsthatthroughJesus,theMessiah,thepowerofGodskingdom hasenteredhistorytorenewthewholeworld.ThroughtheSaviorGodhasestablishedhis reign.WhenwebelieveandrelyonJesusworkandrecord(ratherthanours)forour relationshiptoGod,thatkingdompowercomesuponusandbeginstoworkthroughus.We

witnessthisradicalnewwayoflivingbyourrenewedlives,beautifulcommunity,socialjustice, andculturaltransformation.Thegoodnewsbringsnewlife.Thegospelmotivates,guides,and empowerseveryaspectofourlivingandworship. JimBelcher,DeepChurch:AThirdWayBeyondEmergingandTraditional

PopeBenedictXVI
Thetermhasrecentlybeentranslatedasgoodnews.Thatsoundsattractive,butitfallsfar shortoftheorderofmagnitudeofwhatisactuallymeantbythewordevangelion.Thisterm figuresinthevocabularyoftheRomanemperors,whounderstoodthemselvesaslords,saviors, andredeemersoftheworld.Theideawasthatwhatcomesfromtheemperorisasaving message,thatitisnotjustapieceofnews,butachangingoftheworldforthebetter. WhentheEvangelistsadoptthisword,andittherebybecomesthegenericnamefortheir writings,whattheymeantotellusisthis:Whattheemperors,whopretendtobegods, illegitimatelyclaim,reallyoccurshereamessageendowedwithplenaryauthority,amessage thatisnotjusttalkbutreality.theGospelisnotjustinformativespeech,butperformative speechnotjusttheimpartingofinformation,butaction,efficaciouspowerthatentersinto theworldtosaveandtransform.MarkspeaksoftheGospelofGod,thepointbeingthatitis nottheemperorswhocansavetheworld,butGod.AnditisherethatGodsword,whichisat oncewordanddeed,appears;itisherethatwhattheemperorsmerelyassert,butcannot actuallyperform,trulytakesplace.ForhereitistherealLordoftheworldtheLivingGod whogoesintoaction. ThecoreoftheGospelisthis:TheKingdomofGodisathand. PopeBenedictXVI,fromJesusofNazareth,pgs.4647.

MichaelBird
TakentogetherwecaninferfromICorinthians15:35,Romans1:14andIITimothy2:8,that thegospelisbothaboutthepersonandworkofChrist. GodpromisedinthescripturesthatHewouldrenewcreationandrestoreIsrael.Thegospelis thegoodnewsthatGodhasmadethesepromisesgoodinJesus,theMessiahandLord.Jesus diedandroseforthepurposeofatoningforsins,andthroughfaithinHimandHiswork believersarereconciledtoGod. ThenewagehasbeenlaunchedandGodhasrevealedHissavingrighteousnessinthegospel sothatHejustifiesanddeliverspersonsfromthepenaltyandpowerofsinanddeath. MichaelBird,IntroducingPaul:TheMan,HisMissionandHisMessage

JohnBlanchard
ThegospelisagloriousdeclarationofthemightyactsofGodwhenheinvadedthisearthin thepersonofhiseternalSon,theLordJesusChrist.

LorraineBoettner
TheGospelisthegoodnewsaboutthegreatsalvationpurchasedbyJesusChrist,bywhichHe reconciledsinfulmentoaholyGod.

C.C.Broyles
Gospel,orgoodnews,designatesJesusmessageoftheappearanceofGodskingdom,a messageentailinglibertyforthoseheldcaptivetoanyformofafflictionanddemonstrated mostdramaticallyinactsofhealing.Insomeinstancesthetermencompassesthewholestory ofthelife,death,andresurrectionofJesus ThereaderoftheGospelsmustbewaryofreadingapostEasterdefinitionintotheEvangelists useofthetermgospel(suchasisfoundinPaulinewritings).IntheSynoptics,itisfoundinthe mouthofJesusatthebeginningofhisministryTheyusethetermtodesignateJesusmessage withoutpriordefinition,implyingthatitwasatermknowntotheiraudience. IVPDictionaryofJesusandtheGospels,pg282,283

RobertF.Capon
ChristianityisNOTareligion;itistheproclamationoftheendofreligion.Religionisahuman activitydedicatedtothejobofreconcilingGodtohumanityandhumanitytoitself.TheGospel, howevertheGoodNewsofourLordandSavior,JesusChrist,istheastonishing announcementthatGodhasdonethewholeworkofreconciliationwithoutascrapofhuman assistance.Itisthebizarreproclamationthatreligionisoverperiod.

D.A.Carson
ThegospelisintegrallytiedtotheBiblesstoryline.Indeed,itisincomprehensiblewithout understandingthatstoryline. Godisthesovereign,transcendentandpersonalGodwhohasmadetheuniverse,includingus, hisimagebearers. Ourmiseryliesinourrebellion,ouralienationfromGod,which,despitehisforbearance, attractshisimplacablewrath. ButGod,preciselybecauseloveisoftheveryessenceofhischaracter,takestheinitiativeand preparedforthecomingofhisownSonbyraisingupapeoplewho,bycovenantalstipulations, templeworship,systemsofsacrificeandofpriesthood,bykingsandbyprophets,aretaught somethingofwhatGodisplanningandwhatheexpects. InthefullnessoftimehisSoncomesandtakesonhumannature.Hecomesnot,inthefirst instance,tojudgebuttosave:hediesthedeathofhispeople,risesfromthegraveand,in returningtohisheavenlyFather,bequeathstheHolySpiritasthedownpaymentandguarantee oftheultimategifthehassecuredforthemaneternityofblissinthepresenceofGod himself,inanewheavenandanewearth,thehomeofrighteousness.

TheonlyalternativeistobeshutoutfromthepresenceofthisGodforever,inthetormentsof hell.Whatmenandwomenmustdo,beforeitistoolate,isrepentandtrustChrist;the alternativeistodisobeythegospel. Summarizing1Corinthians15 1.ThegospelisChristological. 2.Thegospelistheological. 3.Thegospelisbiblical. 4.Thegospelisapostolic. 5.Thegospelishistorical. 6.Thegospelispersonal. 7.Thegospelisuniversal. 8.Thegospeliseschatological. D.A.Carson,fromWhatistheGospel?GospelCoalitionAddress

KnoxChamblin
[Paul's]gospelisthewordofthecross(1Cor.1:1718);nowhereisthereacomparable referencetothewordoftheresurrection.InICorinthians1:2324itisChristcrucifiedwhois identifiedasthepowerofGodandthewisdomofGod,notaswemighthaveexpected (especiallyinthecaseofpower),Christresurrected.Boththecrossandtheresurrectionare offirstimportanceinPaulsgospel(ICor.15:34).UnlessChristhasrisenfromthedead,the preachingofthecross(andoftheresurrection)isawasteoftime(15:14);butoncethe resurrectionhasoccurred,thecrossremainscentral.

AndyCrouch
ThegospelistheproclamationofJesus,in[two]senses.Itistheproclamationannouncedby JesusthearrivalofGodsrealmofpossibility(hiskingdom)inthemidstofhumanstructures ofpossibility.ButitisalsotheproclamationaboutJesusthegoodnewsthatindyingand rising,Jesushasmadethekingdomheproclaimedavailabletous. AndyCrouch,CultureMaking,page146

MarkDever
HereiswhatIunderstandthegoodnewstobe:thegoodnewsisthattheoneandonlyGod, whoisholy,madeusinhisimagetoknowhim.Butwesinnedandcutourselvesofffromhim. Inhisgreatlove,GodbecameamaninJesus,livedaperfectlife,anddiedonthecross,thus fulfillingthelawhimselfandtakingonhimselfthepunishmentforthesinsofallthosewho wouldeverturnandtrustinhim.Heroseagainfromthedead,showingthatGodaccepted ChristssacrificeandthatGodswrathagainstushadbeenexhausted.Henowcallsustorepent ofoursinsandtotrustinChristaloneforourforgiveness.Ifwerepentofoursinsandtrustin Christ,wearebornagainintoanewlife,aneternallifewithGod.Nowthatisgoodnews. fromTheGospelandPersonalEvangelism

DavidDockery
Theheartofgenuinegospelproclamationmustbeafirmtheologicalunderstandingofwhat GodhasdoneinthepersonandworkofJesusChristThebasicthemesthathelpus understandthebiblicalandtheologicalaspectsofthegospelmessage. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. GodasCreatorandtheplaceofmenandwomeninGodscreation Thefallofhumanityintosin GodsprovisioninJesusChrist Godssalvationofmenandwomenfromtheirestranged,guilty,anddreadfulplight Godsultimateworkofredemption

Inconclusion,weconfessandaffirmthatJesusChrist,astheGodman,hasfullyrevealedGod tomenandwomen.Havinglivedasinlesslife,Christ,asoursubstitute,diedadeathforthesins oftheworld.Havingbeenraisedfromthedead,henowsitsexaltedatGodsrighthand,a positionofhonorandexaltation,exercisinghisruleanddominion.Wegladlyacknowledge JesusChristasLord,ourprophet,priest,andkingwhohasfullyrevealedGod,whohas reconciledmenandwomentoGod,andwhonowsitsenthronedasrulerofGodskingdomand headofhisChurch.Inhimweplaceourtrustandhope,offeringourthanksgiving,praise,and worshipforthegiftofsalvationhehasprovidedforusbygracethroughfaith. DavidDockery,SouthernBaptistConsensusandRenewal,pg70,95.

MillardErickson
Tosummarize:PaulviewedthegospelascenteringuponJesusChristandwhatGodhasdone throughhim.TheessentialpointsofthegospelareJesusChristsstatusastheSonofGod,his genuinehumanity,hisdeathforoursins,hisburial,resurrection,subsequentappearances,and futurecominginjudgment...thatoneisjustifiedbyfaithinthegraciousworkofJesusChrist inhisdeathandresurrection....[Itisnot]merelyarecitaloftheologicaltruthsandhistorical events.Rather,itrelatesthesetruthsandeventstothesituationofeveryindividualbeliever. fromChristianTheology,1063

GraemeGoldsworthy
ThegospelisthewordaboutJesusChristandwhathedidforusinordertorestoreustoa rightrelationshipwithGod. GraemeGoldsworthy,AccordingtoPlan

Thegospelistheevent(ortheproclamationofthatevent)ofJesusChristthatbeginswithhis incarnationandearthlylife,andconcludeswithhisdeath,resurrectionandascensiontothe righthandoftheFather.ThishistoricaleventisinterpretedbyGodashispreordained programmeforthesalvationoftheworld

Itcannotbestressedtoomuchthattoconfusethegospelwithcertainimportantthingsthat gohandinhandwithitistoinvitetheological,hermeneuticalandspiritualconfusion.Such ingredientsofpreachingandteachingthatwemightwanttolinkwiththegospelwouldinclude theneedforthegospel(sinandjudgment),themeansofreceivingthebenefitsofthegospel (faithandrepentance),theresultsorfruitofthegospel(regeneration,conversion, sanctification,glorification)andtheresultsofrejectingit(wrath,judgment,hell).These, howeverwedefineandproclaimthem,arenotinthemselvesthegospel.Ifsomethingisnot whatGoddidinandthroughthehistoricalJesustwothousandyearsago,itisnotthegospel. ThusChristianscannotlivethegospel,astheyareoftenexhortedtodo.Theycanonlybelieve it,proclaimitandseektoliveconsistentlywithit.OnlyJesuslived(anddied)thegospel.Itisa onceforallfinishedandperfecteventdoneforusbyanother. GraemeGoldsworthy,GospelCenteredHermeneutics:FoundationsandPrinciplesof EvangelicalBiblicalInterpretation(DownersGrove,IL:InterVarsityPress,2006),5859.

First,inordertounderstandtheplaceofthegospelinbiblicaltheology,tentativedefinitionsof bothgospelandbiblicaltheologyarecalledfor.Onewaytodefinethegospelisintheterms PaulusesinRomans1:14.Herehestatesfourcrucialthingsaboutthegospel. Verse1.Paul,aservantofChristJesus,calledtobeanapostle,setapartforthegospelofGod, Firstpoint:itisGodsgospel,whichisprobablyselfevident.However,theepistletothe RomansimpliesthatthisgospelisGodssolutiontohisownproblemofhowtojustifythe ungodly.Verse2.[Thegospel]whichhepromisedbeforehandthroughhisprophetsintheholy Scriptures,Secondpoint:itisthegospeloftheOldTestamentprophetsandcannotberegarded asreplacingordiscardingtheOldTestamentantecedentstothecomingofJesus.Itmeansthat Jesusisthefulfilmentofprophecy.Thisfactalonemakesbiblicaltheologynecessary.Verse3. [Thegospel]concerninghisSon,whowasdescendedfromDavidaccordingtothefleshThird point:itconcernstheSonofGodwhoselineagegoesbacktothetheologicallysignificantfigure ofDavid.Wemayinferfromthisthat,thoughtherecanbenogospelwithouttheFatherorthe HolySpirit,itsfocusisontheincarnateSon.ThisDavidiclineagealsopointstothestructureof biblicaltheologyinredemptivecovenantandkingdomhistory.Verse4.and[heistheSonwho] wasdeclaredtobetheSonofGodinpoweraccordingtotheSpiritofholinessbyhis resurrectionfromthedead. Fourthpoint:thedefiningmomentistheresurrectionwhich,ofcourse,impliesthedeathof Jesuswhich,inturn,impliesthelifeofJesus.Theresurrectionfulfilsthepromisesconcerning theruleofthesonofDavid.Thegospel,then,isGodsmessageofthepersonandworkof Jesus,testifiedtobytheOldTestament,andcomingtoitsclimaxintheexaltationofJesus. GraemeGoldsworthy,fromhislectureatSouthernSeminarytitledTheNecessityand ViabilityofBiblicalTheology

TimKeller
ThegospelisthegoodnewsthatthroughChristthepowerofGodskingdomhasentered historytorenewthewholeworld.WhenwebelieveandrelyonJesusworkandrecord(rather

thanours)forourrelationshiptoGod,thatkingdompowercomesuponusandbeginstowork throughus. ThroughthepersonandworkofJesusChrist,Godfullyaccomplishessalvationforus,rescuing usfromjudgmentforsinintofellowshipwithhim,andthenrestoresthecreationinwhichwe canenjoyournewlifetogetherwithhimforever. TimKeller,fromChristianityToday

A.B.Luter,Jr.
TheGreekwordeuangelion,frequentlytranslatedgospel,meansgladtidings,orgood news,andinPaulineusageitreferstothemessageofGodssavingworkinJesusChrist.Ofthe seventysixinstancesofgospelintheNT,sixtyarefoundinthePaulinecorpusEuangelionis forPaultheclassicexpressionofthegraceofGod,respondedtobyfaith. IVPDictionaryofPaulandHisLetters

RickMcKinley
SometimesitseemsasthoughwefindtwogospelsintheNewTestamentthegospelofJesus andthegospelaboutJesus.ThegospelofJesusisusuallytakentomeanHisannouncementof thekingdomandthelifeHeembodiedinHislovingactionstowardtheworld.Thegospelabout JesusreferstohisatoningworkonthecrossandHisresurrection,throughwhichwecan receievetheforgivenessofsinthroughourfaithandrepentance. Ibelieve,however,thatthetwoareactuallyonegospelandthatwhenwelosethetension thatcomesfromholdingbothtogether,weexperienceanunhealthyandunbiblicalpendulum swinginourfaith. Ifallwevalueisthesalvationgospel,wetendtomisstherestofChristsmessage.Takenout ofcontextofthekingdom,thecalltofaithinChristgetsreducedtosomethinglessthanwhat theNewTestamentteaches.Thereverseisalsotrue:ifwevalueakingdomgospelatthe expenseoftheliberatingmessageoftheCrossandtheemptytombandacalltorepentance, wemissacentraltenetofkingdomlife.WithoutfaithinJesus,thereisnotransferringofour livesintothenewworldofthekingdom. RickMcKinley,ThisBeautifulMess

ScotMcKnight
ThegospelistheworkofGodtorestorehumanstounionwithGodandcommunionwith others,inthecontextofacommunity,forthegoodofothersandtheworld. ScotMcKnight,EmbracingGrace

Godlovesyouandeveryoneelseandhasaplanforus:thekingdomcommunity.

ButyouandeveryoneelsehaveasinproblemthatseparatesyouandeveryoneelsefromGod, fromyourselves,fromoneanother,andfromthegoodworldGodmadeforyou. ThegoodnewsisthatJesuslivedforyou,diedforyou,wasraisedforyou,andsenttheSpirit foryousoyouallcanliveasthebelovedcommunity. IfyouenterintoJesusstory,byrepentanceandfaith,youcanbereconnectedtoGod,to yourself,toothers,andtothisworld. ThosewhoarereconnectedlikethiswilllivenowasGodscommunityandwillfindthemselves eternallyinunionwithGodandcommunionwithothers. Thosewhopreachthisgospelwillnotdeconstructthechurch.Instead,theywillparticipatein whatGodisdoing:constructingthekingdomcommunityevennow.

JoshMoody
ThegospelthecentralmessageofChristianityisthatJesuswasborn,andhediedandrose again,andthathisdeathwasforoursinsthatwemightreceiveforgivenessandnewlifein relationshiptoGodnowandforeverthroughfaithalone.

RogerNicole
MovedbyHisincomprehensibleloveformankind,theTriuneGodwaspleasednottoabandon ourrebelliousandcorruptracetothemiseryandhellthatitjustlydeserved,buttoundertake tosaveagreatmultitudeofhumanbeingswhohadabsolutelynoclaimonHismercy. Inordertobringthisplanintoexecution,thesecondPersonoftheGodhead,theSon,took untohimselfafullhumannature,becominginallthingslikehisbrethrenandsisters,sin excepted.ThushebecametheSecondAdam,theheadofanewcovenant,andhelivedalifeof perfectobediencetotheDivineLaw. Identifyingwithhisown,heborethepenaltyofhumansinonthecrossofCalvary,sufferingin theplaceofthesinner,thejustfortheunjust,theholySonofGodfortheguiltyandcorrupt childrenofman. Byhisdeathandresurrectionhehasprovidedthebasis

forthereconciliationofGodtohumansandofhumanstoGod; forthepropitiationofarighteousTrinity,justlyangryatoursins; fortheredemptionofamultitudeofcaptivesofsinwhoselibertywassecuredatthe greatpriceofHisownblood.

Heofferedhimselfasanexpiatorysacrificesufficienttoblotoutthesinsofthewholeworld andsecuredtheutmosttriumphovertheenemiesofoursoul:sin,death,andSatan.

ThosewhorepentoftheirsinsandbelieveinJesusChristarethustobeabsolvedfromtheguilt ofalltheirsinsandareadornedwiththeperfectrighteousnessofChristhimself.Ingratitudeto himtheyaretolivelivesofobedienceandservicetotheirSaviorandareincreasinglyrenewed intotheimageofChristbythepoweroftheHolySpirit. Thisgoodnewsofsalvationbygracethroughfaithistobeproclaimedindiscriminatelyto mankind,thatistoeveryman,woman,andchildwhomwecanpossiblyreach.

J.I.Packer
IformulatetheGospelthisway:itisinformationissuingininvitation;itisproclamationissuing inpersuasion.Itisanadmonitorymessageembracingfivethemes.First,God:theGodwhom PaulproclaimedtotheAtheniansinActs17,theGodofChristiantheism. Second,humankind:madeinGodsimagebutnowtotallyunabletorespondtoGodordo anythingrightbyreasonofsinintheirmoralandspiritualsystem.Third,thepersonandworkof Christ:Godincarnate,whobydyingwroughtatonementandwhonowlivestoimpartthe blessingthatflowsformhisworkofatonement. Fourth,repentance,thatis,turningfromsintoGod,fromselfwilltoJesusChrist.Andfifthly, newcommunity:anewfamily,anewpatternofhumantogethernesswhichresultsfromthe unityoftheLordspeopleintheLord,henceforthtofunctionundertheoneFatherasafamily andafellowship.(44,emphasisadded) Packer,J.I.ServingthePeopleofGod:CollectedShorterWritingsofJ.I.Packer.Vol.2. Carlisle, UK:Paternoster,1998.

DarrinPatrick
Fundamentally,thegospelisthegoodnewsthattheeternalSonofGodenteredoursinful worldandlivedalifeofperfectobediencetotheFather,diedasasacrificeintheplaceof sinners,androsetriumphantlyasasignofsinsdefeatandtheFathersacceptance.Inallthis, theSonestablishedarighteousnessforthosewhohadnorighteousnessoftheirown. Therefore,thereisnownocondemnationforthosewhotrustinChristalone.Jesusdeath andresurrectionarethepermanentplaceholdersforthesinnersrightstandingbeforetheholy God.

MichaelPatton
TheGospelisgoodnews.Itisgoodnewsonlytothedegreethatthebadnewscanbe understoodfirst. Theworldisamessedupplace.Itisnotjustourgenerationthatisnoticesthis,butevery generationhashadtodealwiththeirshareofproblems.Todayisnotreallyanyworsethanit was100yearsagoor1000yearsago. ThegoodnewsisthatGodisfixingwhatisbrokenineverygeneration.Thisiscalled redemption.Redemptionmeanstobuybackorrestoretoapreviouscondition.

Godisintheprocessofputtinghismessedupcreationbackinorder.TheGospelisthegood newsthatthatwhichwasbrokenisbeingfixed. Butthebrokennesshaditsgenesisinus,mankind.Godisdifferent.Heisperfectanddemands perfectionbecauseofhischaracter.Inotherwords,astheBibleputsit,Godisrighteous.Our brokennessisduetochoicesthatwehavemade.Allofushavemessedthingsup.Thisiscalled sin. Wehavesinnedthroughourselfishness,pride,hatred,andperversionofhiscreation.Itisnot thewayitwassupposedtobe. Godallowsustorejecthimandsuffertheconsequences,buthealsooffersushope.Thishope istheGoodnews.ItisthehopethatGodhasnotabandonedus.Itisthehopeforredemption. Godlovesusinspiteofourperversionofgood.Godlovesusinspiteofourrejectionofhim.He didnotwaitforustoliveuptohisstandard,whichcanneverhappen,buthesenthisSon,Jesus Christ,2000yearsagotolivealifethatwecouldnot. GodtheSonbecamemanandneverfailed,neverperverted,andshoweduswhoGodis. BecauseChristlivedasinlesslife,hecouldtaketheplaceofman,creatinganewrace...a redeemedrace. Christwasrejectedandkilledonacrossbyman.ButGodallowedthissothatChristcouldtake thepunishmentthatmanthatyouandIdeserved.Indoingthis,hediedinsteadofyou.He tookyourpenaltyofdeathandseparationfromGodonaexecutioncross. ButsincehewasGodtheSonandsinceheneversinned,hedidnotstaydead.Afterthreedays hecamebacktolifeandproclaimedvictoryoverallthedeath,perversion,sin,andpenalties thatmanhadaffordedcreation. ButthisGoodNewsdoesnotapplytoeveryone.Itisonlyforthosewhobelieveandtrustin whatChristdidforthem.Ifyoubelieveinhim,youwillhavelife.Ifyoutrustinhim,notin yourselforyourworks,butinhimalone,youwillliveforever,witnessingandbeingapartofa redeemedcreation. OnedayChristwillcomebacktocallintoaccountallpeople.Youcaneitherstandonyourown, givingaccountforyourownsinoryoucanacceptthefreegiftofsalvationandstandwith Christ.ThebadnewsisthatwithoutChrist,youstandaloneandhopeless.TheGoodNewsthe GospelisthatyoucanstandwithChristfullofhope. MichaelPatton,directorofReclaimingtheMindMinistries

JohnPiper
TheheartofthegospelisthegoodnewsthatChristdiedforoursinsandwasraisedfromthe dead.WhatmakesthisgoodnewsisthatChristsdeathaccomplishedaperfectrighteousness beforeGodandsufferedaperfectcondemnationfromGod,bothofwhicharecountedasours

throughfaithalone,sothatwehaveeternallifewithGodinthenewheavensandthenew earth. ChristianityToday,June2009

ThegospelofChrististhegoodnewsthatatthecostofhisSonslife,Godhasdoneeverything necessarytoenthralluswithwhatwillmakeuseternallyandeverincreasinglyhappy,namely, himself. JohnPiper,ThePassionofJesusChrist

TheGospelisthenewsthatJesusChrist,theRighteousOne,diedforoursinsandroseagain, eternallytriumphantoverallhisenemies,sothatthereisnownocondemnationforthosewho believe,butonlyeverlastingjoy. JohnPiper,TheGospelin6Minutes

TheGospelisthegoodnewsofourfinalandfullenjoymentofthegloryofGodinthefaceof Christ.ThatthisenjoymenthadtobepurchasedforsinnersatthecostofChristslifemakeshis gloryshineallthemorebrightly.Andthatthisenjoymentisafreeandunmeritedgiftmakesit shinemorebrightlystill.ButthepriceJesuspaidforthegiftandtheunmeritedfreedomofthe giftarenotthegift.ThegiftisChristhimselfasthegloriousimageofGodseenandsavored witheverlastingjoy. JohnPiper,GodistheGospel

JeffPurswell
ThegospelisthegoodnewsofGodssavingactivityinthepersonandworkofChrist.This includeshisincarnationinwhichhetooktohimselffull(yetsinless)humannature;hissinless lifewhichfulfilledtheperfectlawofGod;hissubstitutionarydeathwhichpaidthepenaltyfor manssinandsatisfiedtherighteouswrathofGod;hisresurrectiondemonstratingGods satisfactionwithhissacrifice;andhisglorificationandascensiontotherighthandoftheFather wherehenowreignsandintercedesforthechurch. Suchnewsisspecific:thereisadefinedthatnesstothegospelwhichsetsforththecontentof bothoursavingfaithandourproclamation.Itisobjective,andnottobeconfusedwithour response.Itissufficient:wecanaddnothingtowhatChristhasaccomplishedforusitfallsto ussimplytobelievethisnews,turningfromoursinsandreceivingbyfaithallthatGodhasdone forusinChrist.

ChrisSeay
ThegospelisthegoodnewsthatGodiscallingoutallpeopletoberedeemedbythepower residinginthelife,death,andultimateresurrectionofJesustheLiberatingKing.Thesecalled outonesarerescuedfromalifeofslavery,sin,andfailuretobecomeemissariesinanew

kingdomsettojointheredemptionoftheentirecreation,groaningandlongingtobe redeemed.

R.C.Sproul
ThereisnogreatermessagetobeheardthanthatwhichwecalltheGospel.Butasimportant asthatis,itisoftengiventomassivedistortionsoroversimplifications.Peoplethinktheyre preachingtheGospeltoyouwhentheytellyou,youcanhaveapurposetoyourlife,orthat youcanhavemeaningtoyourlife,orthatyoucanhaveapersonalrelationshipwithJesus.All ofthosethingsaretrue,andtheyreallimportant,buttheydontgettotheheartoftheGospel. TheGospeliscalledthegoodnewsbecauseitaddressesthemostseriousproblemthatyou andIhaveashumanbeings,andthatproblemissimplythis:GodisholyandHeisjust,andIm not.Andattheendofmylife,ImgoingtostandbeforeajustandholyGod,andIllbejudged. AndIllbejudgedeitheronthebasisofmyownrighteousnessorlackofitorthe righteousnessofanother. ThegoodnewsoftheGospelisthatJesuslivedalifeofperfectrighteousness,ofperfect obediencetoGod,notforHisownwellbeingbutforHispeople.HehasdoneformewhatI couldntpossiblydoformyself.ButnotonlyhasHelivedthatlifeofperfectobedience,He offeredHimselfasaperfectsacrificetosatisfythejusticeandtherighteousnessofGod. Thegreatmisconceptioninourdayisthis:thatGodisntconcernedtoprotectHisown integrity.Hesakindofwishywashydeity,whojustwavesawandofforgivenessover everybody.No.ForGodtoforgiveyouisaverycostlymatter.ItcostthesacrificeofHisown Son.SovaluablewasthatsacrificethatGodpronounceditvaluablebyraisingHimfromthe deadsothatChristdiedforus,Hewasraisedforourjustification.SotheGospelissomething objective.ItisthemessageofwhoJesusisandwhatHedid. Anditalsohasasubjectivedimension.HowarethebenefitsofJesussubjectivelyappropriated tous?HowdoIgetit?TheBiblemakesitclearthatwearejustifiednotbyourworks,notby ourefforts,notbyourdeeds,butbyfaithandbyfaithalone.Theonlywayyoucanreceive thebenefitofChristslifeanddeathisbyputtingyourtrustinHimandinHimalone.Youdo that,youredeclaredjustbyGod,youreadoptedintoHisfamily,youreforgivenofallofyour sins,andyouhavebegunyourpilgrimageforeternity.

EdStetzer
ThegospelisthegoodnewsthatGod,whoismoreholythanwecanimagine,lookeduponwith compassion,people,whoaremoresinfulthanwewouldpossiblyadmit,andsentJesusinto historytoestablishhisKingdomandreconcilepeopleandtheworldtohimself.Jesus,whose loveismoreextravagantthanwecanmeasure,cametosacrificiallydieforussothat,byHis deathandresurrection,wemightgainthroughHisgracewhattheBibledefinesasnewand eternallife.

SamStorms ThegospelisthegoodnewsofwhatGodhasaccomplishedinthepersonofhisSon,inhislife,
death,andresurrection,tosecuretheforgivenessofsinsofallwhowillrepentandbelievein JesusasLordandSavior. Inotherwords,thegospelissomethingthatGodhasaccomplished.Itsnotsomethingthatwe do.Ourfaithisnotthegospel.Ourrepentanceisnotthegospel.Buttheyaretheeffectsofit. Sowecouldsaythatthegospelisanindicative,notanimperative.Inotherwords,itsan accomplishmentbyGod;itsnotacommandtous.ThegospeliswhatGodhasachieved,not somethingthatwearetoattempt. Thecontentofthegospel,theessenceofhtegospel,isGodssavingactivityinJesusasLord inhissinlesslife,hisatoningdeathonbehalfofsinners,hisresurrection.Thisisthegospel. Thegospeldoeshaveconsequences.Forexample,wehavearesponsibilitytopursuejustice, accordingtothebiblicaltermsinwhichitissetforth.Wehavearesponsibilitytowardthe environment,towardcreation.Wehavearesponsibilitytowardracialreconciliation.Wehavea responsibilitytopursuethewelfareoftheunborn.Butthesethingsarenotthegospel.Theyare theconsequencesofthegospel.TheyareresponsibilitiesthatfalluponusasChristiansbecause ofwhatGodhasdone. Whenwetalkaboutproclaimingthegospel,weretalkingaboutdeclaringthegoodnewsof whatGodhasgraciouslyandmercifullydoneinJesusonbehalfofotherwisehelldeserving sinnerstosecureeverythingnecessarythattheymightenterintothefullnessofeternallifeand theforgivenessofsins.

TullianTchividjian
TheGospelisthethegoodnewsthatinandthroughChristslife,death,andresurrection,God makesallthingsnew. fromTulliansBlog

Thegoodnewsofthegospelissimplythis:inthemidstofourhopelessandhelpless circumstance,GodsenthisSon,JesusChrist,tosavesinnerslikeyouandme. TullianTchividjian,DoIKnowGod?

SteveTimmis
JesusChrist,Godspromisedrescuerandrulerlivedourlife,diedourdeathandroseagainin triumphantvindicationasthefirstfruitsofthenewcreationtobringforgivensinnerstogether bytheHolySpirittoliveunderhisgraciousreignasHisKingdompeople.

 DerekThomas
ThegospelisnotGodlovesus,butGodlovesusatthecostofhisSon.

JoeThorn
Atitscore,thegospelisJesusasthesubstituteforsinners.Wecouldsummarizethewholeby sayingthatinhislifeJesuslivesinperfectsubmissiontothewillofGodandhefulfillshis righteousstandard(thelaw).InhisdeathonthecrosshequenchesGodswrathagainstsin, satisfyingthesovereigndemandforjustice.Inhisresurrectionheisvictoriousoversinand death.Allofthisisdoneonbehalfofsinnersinneedofredemptionandofferedtoallwho believe.Thisisthereforeverygoodnews. Jesuslifeisgoodnews,forhisobediencetotheFatherandfulfillmentofthelawisforus. Whileweassinnersfailtokeepthelaw,Jesuswasperfectlyfaithful.Jesusdeathisgoodnews becausehisdeathwasapaymentforoursin,andbyitwearecleansedfromourguiltand releasedfromcondemnation.Jesusresurrectionisgoodnewsbecausehisvictoryoverdeathis oursandthroughitwelookforwardtoaresurrectionofourown. fromNotetoSelf:TheDisciplineofPreachingtoYourself

AllenWakabayashi
Sowhatisthegospel?AccordingtotheSynopticGospels,thegoodnewsofJesusChristis primarilythatJesushascometoinauguratethekingdomofGod,toestablishGodsgoodreign overallofcreation.InthesamewaythatAslandrewnearandbroughtspringtimeintothe bitterwinterofNarnia,Jesushasdrawnneartobringthespringtimeofhisredemptionintothe bitterwinterofourfallenworld.Hediedtopaythepriceforourrebellionandtofreecreation fromSatansdominion.Hewillreturnonedaytobringitalltocompletionandfullyestablish thekingdomofGod.Thisisgoodnews.Thisisthegospel! AllenMitsuoWakabayashi,KingdomCome

DerekWebb
Whatagreatquestion.IguessIdprobablymyinstinctistosaythatitsJesuscoming,living, dying,andbeingresurrectedandhisinauguratingthealreadyandthenotyetofallthingsbeing restoredtohimselfandthathappeningbywayofhimselfthebeingmaderightofall thingsthatprocessbothbeginningandbeingarealityinthelivesandheartsofbelieversand yetadaycomingwhenitwillbemorefullyrealized.Butthegoodnews,thegospel,the speakingofthegoodnews,Iwouldsayisthenewsofhiskingdomcomingtheinauguratingof hiskingdomcomingthatsmyinstinct. fromSaidatSouthernpodcast#2

MichaelWittmer
HeartheChristiangospel: WeareallrebellioustraitorsagainstGodandhiskingdom,andforthatwearedyingnowand aredestinedtosufferforeverintheultimatedespairofhell.WeareactuallyGodsenemies (notmerelyinourimagination),andwedeservewhatevertormentwehavecoming.Worse,we areentirelyunabletolaydownourweaponsandchangesides,forastheapostlePaulreminds us,wearedeadinourtransgressionsandsinsbynaturedeservingofwrathwithouthope andwithoutGodintheworld(Eph.2:112).Weareunwillingtochange,andunabletochange ourheartsandmindssowewouldbewilling. Godjustlycouldhavebeencontenttodestroyourinsurrectionandwipeusfromtheearth.But hetookpityonus,andwhilewewereGodsenemies,whilewewerestillsinners,Christdied forus(Rom.5:8,10).Thecrossisamostunusualweaponofchoice,butthedeathofhis belovedSonwastheonlywaythatGodcoulddefeatoursinanddeath.Satanhadbecomethe functionalrulerofusandofthisworldwhenhetemptedAdamandEve,Godsappointedrulers ofcreationtoswitchtheirallegiancetohim.NowaSonofAdam,theSonofGod,hadcometo earthtowinusback. JesusdidnotconquerSataninsomeheavyhandedway,usinghisoverwhelmingforcetothrow himdown.GodbeatSatanonalevelplayingfield.Hebecameacreature,vulnerabletoSatans attacks,anddefeatedthedevilthroughweaknessratherthanshockandawe.Inthiswayhedid notsomuchoverpowerSatanasoutwithim.HeshowedSatanandhisdemonstobefools,for, havingdisarmedthepowersandauthorities,hemadeapublicspectacleofthem,triumphing overthembythecross(Col.2:15). Demonsshriekedanddancedaroundthecross,deliriouslysurprisedbyhoweasilyJesushad fallenintotheirtrap.Whattheydidntrealizewasthattheyhadwalkedstraightintohis.Jesus knewwhatC.S.LewisinTheLion,theWitch,andtheWardrobecalledthemagicdeeper still,thatwhenawillingvictimwhohadcommittednotreacherywaskilledinatraitors stead,theTablewouldcrackandDeathitselfwouldstartworkingbackward.Deathdiedinthe deathofChrist,forJesusboreourpenaltyinourplace. Jesustookoursinanddeathdownwithhimintothegrave,andwhenhearoseheleftthemin thedust.Paulexplains,Hewasdeliveredovertoedeathforoursinsandwasraisedtolifefor ourjustification(Rom.4:25).Jesusspectacularresurrectionisnotmerelyanauthoritative illustrationofageneraltruththatisembeddedincreation.Ratheritistheturningpointof worldhistory,forthatisthemomentthatGodreversedthecruse,releasingforeverthosewho puttheirfaithinJesus.Jesusdeathandresurrectiondontmerelyrevealthatdeathleadsto life;theyaretheverythingsthatmakeittrue.Jesustriumphedoversin,death,andSatanbyhis crossandemptytomb,andanyonewhotrustshisfinishedworkalonewilljoinhisvictory. fromChristAlone:AnEvangelicalResponsetoRobBellsLoveWins(148150)

N.T.Wright
ThegospelistheroyalannouncementthatthecrucifiedandrisenJesus,whodiedforoursins androseagainaccordingtotheScriptures,hasbeenenthronedasthetrueLordoftheworld. Whenthisgospelispreached,Godcallspeopletosalvation,outofsheergrace,leadingthemto repentanceandfaithinJesusChristastherisenLord. ChristianityToday,June2009

ThewholeChristiangospelcouldbesummedupinthispoint:thatwhenthelivingGodlooks atus,ateverybaptizedandbelievingChristian,hesaystouswhathesaidtoJesuson[theday ofhisbaptism].Heseesus,notasweareinourselves,butasweareinJesusChrist. MarkforEveryone,pg.4.

ThegospelitselfreferstotheproclamationthatJesus,thecrucifiedandrisenMessiah,isthe one,trueandonlyLordoftheworld. fromPaulinDifferentPerspectives:Lecture1 Theideaofgoodnews,forwhichanolderEnglishwordisgospel,hadtwoprincipal meaningsforfirstcenturyJews.First,withrootsinIsaiah,itmeanthenewsofYHWHslong awaitedvictoryoverevilandrescueofhispeople.Second,itwasusedintheRomanworldof theaccession,orbirthday,oftheemperor.SinceforJesusandPaultheannouncementofGods inbreakingkingdomwasboththefulfillmentofprophecyandachallengetotheworldspresent rulers,gospelbecameanimportantshorthandforboththemessageofJesushimself,andthe apostolicmessageabouthim.PaulsawthismessageasitselfthevehicleofGodssavingpower (Romans1:16,1Thessalonians2:13). fromtheGlossaryinWrightsForEveryoneseries TrevinWax:Couldyougiveusabriefdefinitionofthegospel? N.T.Wright:IcouldtrytakingaPaulineangle.WhenPaultalksaboutthegospel,hemeans thegoodnewsthatthecrucifiedandrisenJesusistheMessiahofIsraelandthereforetheLord oftheworld.Now,thatsaboutasbriefasyoucandoit. ThereasonthatsgoodnewsIntheRomanEmpire,whenanewemperorcametothethrone, theredobviouslybeenatimeofuncertainty.Somebodysjustdied.Istheregoingtobechaos? Issocietygoingtocollapse?Arewegoingtohavepiratesrulingtheseas?Arewegoingtohave nofoodtoeat?Andthegoodnewsis,wehaveanemperorandhisnameissuchandsuch.So, weregoingtohavejusticeandpeaceandprosperity,andisntthatgreat?! Now,ofcourse,mostpeopleintheRomanEmpireknewthatwasrubbishbecauseitwasjust anotheroldjumpeduparistocratwhowasgoingtodothesameastheotheroneshaddone. Butthatwastherhetoric.

PaulslicesstraightinwiththeIsaianicmessage:Goodnews!GodisbecomingKingandheis doingitthroughJesus!Andtherefore,phew!Godsjustice,Godspeace,Godsworldisgoingto berenewed. Andinthemiddleofthat,ofcourse,itsgoodnewsforyouandme.Butthatsthederivative from,orthecorollaryofthegoodnewswhichisamessageaboutJesusthathasasecondorder effectonmeandyouandus.Butthegospelisnotitselfaboutyouarethissortofapersonand thiscanhappentoyou.Thatstheresultofthegospelratherthanthegospelitself. ItsveryclearinRomans.Romans1:34:Thisisthegospel.ItsthemessageaboutJesusChrist descendedfromDavid,designatedSonofGodinpower,andthenRomans1:1617whichsays veryclearly:IamnotashamedofthegospelbecauseitisthepowerofGoduntosalvation. Thatis,salvationistheresultofthegospel,notthecenterofthegospelitself. frommyinterviewwithN.T.Wright,November2007

OrganizationalandCorporateDefinitions

AntiochNetwork
ThegospelisthestoryaboutChrist,GodsandDavidsSon,whodiedandwasraisedandis establishedasLord.ChurchesformingtheAntiochNetworkdesiretojointogethertoproclaim thegoodnewsthatGodsKingdomhascomeinthelife,death,andresurrectionofJesusof Nazareth,theLordandMessiah,infulfillmentoftheWordofGod. Thegospelwedeclareevokesfaith,repentanceanddiscipleshipitsaccompanyingeffects includetheforgivenessofsins,justification,reconciliation,adoption,wisdomandthegiftofthe HolySpirit.Weaccompanyourproclamationofthegospelwithcooperativeworksof compassionandmercyforthoseinneedordistress. AntiochNetworkofChurchesDoctrinalConfession

AnEvangelicalCelebration
ThisGospelofJesusChristwhichGodsetsforthintheinfallibleScripturescombinesJesusown declarationofthepresentrealityofthekingdomofGodwiththeapostlesaccountofthe person,place,andworkofChrist,andhowsinfulhumansbenefitfromit.ThePatristicRuleof Faith,thehistoriccreeds,theReformationconfessions,andthedoctrinalbasesoflater evangelicalbodiesallwitnesstothesubstanceofthisbiblicalmessage. TheheartoftheGospelisthatourholy,lovingCreator,confrontedwithhumanhostilityand rebellion,haschoseninhisownfreedomandfaithfulnesstobecomeourholy,lovingRedeemer andRestorer.TheFatherhassenttheSontobetheSavioroftheworld(1John4:14):itis throughhisoneandonlySonthatGodsoneandonlyplanofsalvationisimplemented.So Peterannounced:Salvationisfoundinnooneelse,forthereisnoothernameunderheaven giventomenbywhichwemustbesaved(Acts4:12).AndChristhimselftaught:Iamtheway, thetruthandthelife.NoonecomestotheFatherexceptthroughme(John14:6). ThroughtheGospelwelearnthatwehumanbeings,whoweremadeforfellowshipwithGod, arebynaturethatis,inAdam(1Cor.15:22)deadinsin,unresponsivetoandseparated fromourMaker.Weareconstantlytwistinghistruth,breakinghislaw,belittlinghisgoalsand standards,andoffendinghisholinessbyourunholiness,sothatwetrulyarewithouthopeand withoutGodintheworld(Rom.1:1832,3:920;Eph.2:13,12).YetGodingracetookthe initiativetoreconcileustohimselfthroughthesinlesslifeandvicariousdeathofhisbeloved Son(Eph.2:410;Rom.3:2124). TheFathersenttheSontofreeusfromthedominionofsinandSatan,andtomakeusGods childrenandfriends.Jesuspaidourpenaltyinourplaceonhiscross,satisfyingtheretributive demandsofdivinejusticebysheddinghisbloodinsacrificeandsomakingpossiblejustification forallwhotrustinhim(Rom.3:2526).TheBibledescribesthismightysubstitutionary transactionastheachievingofransom,reconciliation,redemption,propitiation,andconquest ofevilpowers(Matt.20:28;2Cor.5:1821;Rom.3:2325;John12:31;Col.2:15).Itsecuresfor

usarestoredrelationshipwithGodthatbringspardonandpeace,acceptanceandaccess,and adoptionintoGodsfamily(Col.1:20,2:1314;Rom.5:12;Gal.4:47;1Pet.3:18).Thefaithin GodandinChristtowhichtheGospelcallsusisatrustfuloutgoingofourheartstolayholdof thesepromisedandprofferedbenefits. ThisGospelfurtherproclaimsthebodilyresurrection,ascension,andenthronementofJesusas evidenceoftheefficacyofhisonceforallsacrificeforus,oftherealityofhispresentpersonal ministrytous,andofthecertaintyofhisfuturereturntoglorifyus(1Cor.15;Heb.1:14,2:1 18,4:1416,7:110:25).InthelifeoffaithastheGospelpresentsit,believersareunitedwith theirrisenLord,communingwithhim,andlookingtohiminrepentanceandhopefor empoweringthroughtheHolySpirit,sothathenceforththeymaynotsinbutservehimtruly. Godsjustificationofthosewhotrusthim,accordingtotheGospel,isadecisivetransition,here andnow,fromastateofcondemnationandwrathbecauseoftheirsinstooneofacceptance andfavorbyvirtueofJesusflawlessobedienceculminatinginhisvoluntarysinbearingdeath. Godjustifiesthewicked(ungodly:Rom.4:5)byimputing(reckoning,crediting,counting, accounting)righteousnesstothemandceasingtocounttheirsinsagainstthem(Rom.4:18). SinnersreceivethroughfaithinChristalonethegiftofrighteousness(Rom.1:17,5:17;Phil. 3:9)andthusbecometherighteousnessofGodinhimwhowasmadesinforthem(2Cor. 5:21). AsoursinswerereckonedtoChrist,soChristsrighteousnessisreckonedtous.Thisis justificationbytheimputationofChristsrighteousness.Allwebringtothetransactionisour needofit.OurfaithintheGodwhobestowsit,theFather,theSon,andtheHolySpirit,isitself thefruitofGodsgrace.FaithlinksussavinglytoJesus,butinasmuchasitinvolvesan acknowledgmentthatwehavenomeritofourown,itisconfessedlynotameritoriouswork. TheGospelassuresusthatallwhohaveentrustedtheirlivestoJesusChristarebornagain childrenofGod(John1:12),indwelt,empowered,andassuredoftheirstatusandhopebythe HolySpirit(Rom.7:6,8:917).ThemomentwetrulybelieveinChrist,theFatherdeclaresus righteousinhimandbeginsconformingustohislikeness.Genuinefaithacknowledgesand dependsuponJesusasLordandshowsitselfingrowingobediencetothedivinecommands, thoughthiscontributesnothingtothegroundofourjustification(James2:1426;Heb.6:112). Byhissanctifyinggrace,Christworkswithinusthroughfaith,renewingourfallennatureand leadingustorealmaturity,thatmeasureofdevelopmentwhichismeantbythefullnessof Christ(Eph.4:13).TheGospelcallsustoliveasobedientservantsofChristandashis emissariesintheworld,doingjustice,lovingmercy,andhelpingallinneed,thusseekingto bearwitnesstothekingdomofChrist.Atdeath,Christtakesthebelievertohimself(Phil.1:21) forunimaginablejoyintheceaselessworshipofGod(Rev.22:15). Salvationinitsfullsenseisfromtheguiltofsininthepast,thepowerofsininthepresent,and thepresenceofsininthefuture.Thus,whileinforetastebelieversenjoysalvationnow,they stillawaititsfullness(Mark14:6162;Heb.9:28).SalvationisaTrinitarianreality,initiatedby theFather,implementedbytheSon,andappliedbytheHolySpirit.Ithasaglobaldimension,

forGodsplanistosavebelieversoutofeverytribeandtongue(Rev.5:9)tobehischurch,a newhumanity,thepeopleofGod,thebodyandbrideofChrist,andthecommunityoftheHoly Spirit.AlltheheirsoffinalsalvationarecalledhereandnowtoservetheirLordandeachother inlove,toshareinthefellowshipofJesussufferings,andtoworktogethertomakeChrist knowntothewholeworld. WelearnfromtheGospelthat,asallhavesinned,soallwhodonotreceiveChristwillbe judgedaccordingtotheirjustdesertsasmeasuredbyGodsholylaw,andfaceeternal retributivepunishment. TheGospelofJesusChrist:AnEvangelicalCelebration

Dictionary.Com
Noun 1.theteachingsofJesusandtheapostles;theChristianrevelation. 2.thestoryofChristslifeandteachings,esp.ascontainedinthefirstfourbooksoftheNew Testament,namelyMatthew,Mark,Luke,andJohn. 3.(usuallyinitialcapitalletter)anyofthesefourbooks. 4.somethingregardedastrueandimplicitlybelieved:totakehisreportforgospel. 5.adoctrineregardedasofprimeimportance:politicalgospel. 6.gladtidings,esp.concerningsalvationandthekingdomofGodasannouncedtotheworldby Christ. 7.(ofteninitialcapitalletter)Ecclesiastical.anextractfromoneofthefourGospels,forming partoftheEucharisticserviceincertainchurches. 8.gospelmusic. Adjective 9.of,pertainingto,orproclaimingthegospeloritsteachings:agospelpreacher. 10.inaccordancewiththegospel;evangelical. 11.oforpertainingtogospelmusic:agospelsinger.

TheGospelCoalition
WebelievethatthegospelisthegoodnewsofJesusChristGodsverywisdom. Utterfollytotheworld,eventhoughitisthepowerofGodtothosewhoarebeingsaved,this goodnewsischristological,centeringonthecrossandresurrection:thegospelisnot proclaimedifChristisnotproclaimed,andtheauthenticChristhasnotbeenproclaimedifhis deathandresurrectionarenotcentral(themessageisChristdiedforoursins...[and]was raised). Thisgoodnewsisbiblical(hisdeathandresurrectionareaccordingtotheScriptures), theologicalandsalvific(Christdiedforoursins,toreconcileustoGod),historical(ifthesaving eventsdidnothappen,ourfaithisworthless,wearestillinoursins,andwearetobepitied morethanallothers),apostolic(themessagewasentrustedtoandtransmittedbytheapostles,

whowerewitnessesofthesesavingevents),andintenselypersonal(whereitisreceived, believed,andheldfirmly,individualpersonsaresaved).

EvangelicalDictionaryofTheology
ThegospelisthejoyousproclamationofGodsredemptiveactivityinChristJesusonbehalfof manenslavedbysin. R.H.Mounce.EvangelicalDictionaryofTheology.

HeartCryMissionarySociety
TheGospelisthepowerofGodforsalvation(Romans1:16)andthepreachingoftheGospelis thegreatmeansandmethodologyofmissions.TheGospelis,firstandforemost,Godin ChristreconcilingtheworldtoHimself(IICorinthians5:19).Itanswerstheeternalquestionof howajustGodcanrightlyjustifywickedmen(Romans3:26).ItpointstoChristalone,whobore thesinsofHispeopleuponthecross,wasforsakenofGod,andcrushedunderthefullforceof Hisjustwrathagainstsin.TheGoodNewsoftheGospelisthatthroughChristsdeath,the justiceofGodwassatisfied,andsalvationwaswonforagreatmultitudeofpeople.Thisis evidencedbytheresurrectionofJesusChristfromthedeadHewhowasdeliveredover becauseofourtransgressions,andwasraisedbecauseofourjustification(Romans4:25).

IVPDictionaryoftheNewTestament
GOSPEL(GoodNews)SeeKingdomofGod DanielG.Reed,TheIVPDictionaryoftheNewTestament,DowersGrove,IL:InterVarsity Press,2004.page457

SovereignGraceMinistries
JesusChrististhegospel. Thegoodnewsisrevealedinhisbirth,life,death,resurrection,andascension.Christs crucifixionistheheartofthegospel,hisresurrectionisthepowerofthegospel,andhis ascensionisthegloryofthegospel.Christsdeathisasubstitutionaryandpropitiatorysacrifice toGodforoursins.ItsatisfiesthedemandsofGodsholyjusticeandappeaseshisholywrath.It alsodemonstrateshismysteriousloveandrevealshisamazinggrace. JesusChrististheonlymediatorbetweenGodandman.Thereisnoothernamebywhichmen mustbesaved.AttheheartofallsounddoctrineisthecrossofJesusChristandtheinfinite privilegethatredeemedsinnershaveofglorifyingGodbecauseofwhathehasaccomplished. Therefore,wewantallthattakesplaceinourhearts,churches,andministriestoproceedfrom andberelatedtothecross. SovereignGraceMinistries

WycliffeBibleEncyclopedia
ThecentraltruthofthegospelisthatGodhasprovidedawayofsalvationformenthroughthe giftofHissontotheworld.Hesufferedasasacrificeforsin,overcamedeath,andnowoffersa shareinHistriumphtoallwhowillacceptit.ThegospelisgoodnewsbecauseitisagiftofGod, notsomethingthatmustbeearnedbypenanceorbyselfimprovement. WycliffeBibleEncyclopedia

Appendix
TheGospelasaThreeLeggedStool
TrevinWaxfromCounterfeitGospels:RediscoveringtheGoodNewsinaWorldofFalseHope InFebruary2008,IbeganablogseriescalledGospelDefinitions,inwhichIposted (withoutcomment)anyandeverydefinitionofthegospelthatIcameacrossinbooksor online.Eventually,thatseriesbecamethelargestgroupofgospeldefinitionsontheweb. AsIhavepostedvariousdefinitionsofthegospelonmyblog,Ihavenoticedthat peoplehearthequestionwhatisthegospel?indifferentways. TellingtheStoryforanIndividual Somehearthisquestionandimmediatelythinkabouthowtopresentthegospeltoan unbeliever.TheirpresentationsystematizesthebiblicalteachingofoursinandChrists provision.TheyusuallybeginwithGodasaholyandrighteousjudge.Thenwehearabout mansdesperateplightapartfromGodandhowoursinfulnessdeserveshiswrath.Butthe goodnewsisthatChristhascometoliveanobedientlifeanddieinourplace.Wearethen calledtorepentofoursinsandtrustinChrist.(GregGilberttakesthisapproachinhishelpful book,WhatIstheGospel?.) TellingtheStoryofJesus OthershearWhatisthegospel?andthinkofhowtheNewTestamentauthorswould definetheword,whichleadstodefinitionsthatzeroinontheannouncementofJesus.They focusonJesuslife,death,andresurrection.Thegospel,accordingtothissecondgroup,is tellingpeoplewhoJesusisandwhathehasdone.(MartinLuther,GraemeGoldsworthy, andJohnPipertakethisapproach.) TellingtheStoryofNewCreation StillothershearthewordgospelandthinkofthewholegoodnewsofChristianity, howGodhasactedinChristtobringredemptiontoafallenworld.Theyfocusonthegrand sweepoftheBiblesstorylineandhowJesuscomestoreversethecurseandmakeallthings new.(TullianTchividjian,TimKeller,andJimBelchertakethisapproach.)

RobustGospelDiscussion Thoughthereissignificantoverlapamongthesegroups,advocatesofeachposition sometimesdiscussanddebatetheothers. TheIndividualStorycrowdsays,IfyouonlyfocusontheannouncementofJesus,youleaveout thereasonweneedgoodnews.Inotherwords,zeroinginontheChristpartofGodMan ChristResponsedoesnttellyouenough. TheJesusStorycrowdsays,Youreaddingtoomuchtothegospel,confusingthetruthabout oursinorournecessaryresponseofrepentancewiththegoodnewsitself,whichisonlyabout Jesus.Inotherwords,dontadddoctrinestothegospelthattheNewTestamentdoesnt describeasgospel. TheNewCreationcrowdsays,Ifyouonlyfocusonindividualsalvation,youleaveoutthe cosmicsweepofwhatGodisdoing.Youalsoleaveoutthenecessityofthechurch.Inother words,thepictureofGodsredemptiveactivityisbiggerthanjustGodManChristResponseor eventheJesusannouncement.YouneedthebirdseyeviewofCreationFallRedemption Restoration. Forthemostpart,Iamencouragedbythesediscussions.Howmarveloustosee Christiansyoungandoldseekingclarityonthemessagethatisattheheartofourfaith!Itis importanttothinkclearlyaboutthegospel,andthemotivationbehindthesedebatesistoget themessagerightandhopefullytothentakethatmessageeverywherefromour neighborhoodstothenations. Ibelievethereisahelpfulandbiblicalwaytosynthesizethisrobustdiscussiononthe gospel.Everythingmentionedbythesethreegroupsisgoodandisinsomewayconnectedto thegoodnews.Butweneedhookstohangallthesegoodthingson.Weneedtoseehowthey fittogether,andweneedtomakesurethattheheartofthegospelstayswhereitissupposed tobe.Providingaframeworkforthinkingthroughthisissueisthepurposeofmybookonthe gospel. PuttingitAllTogether Fromanexegeticalstandpoint,thewordgospelisusedintheNewTestament primarilywhenspeakingoftheannouncementofJesusChrist.So,atitscore,thegospelisthe specificannouncementaboutwhatGodhasdonethroughthelife,death,andresurrectionof Jesustobringaboutoursalvation.TheannouncementofJesusisthegospel. YetthisJesuscenteredmessageneedscontext.TheStoryfortheindividualgroupis righttoinsistthatthebackstory(Godscharacter,oursin,etc.)isneededifthegospel announcementistomakesense.AndtheNewCreationcrowdisrighttoinsistthatweplace ourindividualsalvationwithinthebiggerpictureofGodsgloryintherenewalofallthingsand thecallingoutofapeople.Thisdiscussionbringsustotheimagethatformstheheartof mybookonthegospel.

TheThreeLeggedStool Iproposethatthegospelislikeathreeleggedstool.Eachlegofthestoolisimportantto understandingthemessage. TheGospelStory First,thereisthegospelstory,theoverarchinggrandnarrativefoundintheScriptures. TheBibletellsusaboutGodscreationofagoodworldwhichwassubjectedtofutilitybecause ofhumansin.GodgavetheLawtorevealhisholinessandourneedforaperfectsacrifice, whichisprovidedbythedeathofJesusChrist.ThissameJesuswillonedayreturntothisearth tojudgethelivingandthedeadandthusrenewallthings.ThegospelstoryistheScriptural narrativethattakesusfromcreationtonewcreation,climaxingwiththedeathand resurrectionofJesusatthecenter. TheGospelAnnouncement Thesecondlegofthestoolisthegospelannouncement,namelythatGodinthe personofJesusChristlivedaperfectlifeinourplace,borethepenaltyforoursinthroughhis deathonthecross,wasraisedfromthedeadtolaunchGodsnewcreation,andisnowexalted asLordoftheworld.TheannouncementcentersuponJesusandwhathehasdonetoreconcile ustoGod.Ourresponsetothisannouncementistorepentofoursinsandputourcomplete trustintheworkhehasaccomplishedonourbehalf. TheGospelCommunity Thethirdlegofthestoolisthegospelcommunity.Ourresponsetothegospel announcement(repentanceandfaith)isnotaonetimeevent,butalifelongexpressionof gratitudethatwellsupfromthebottomofourheartsandoverflowsintoloveforGodandhis belovedcommunity.Weareshapedbythegospelintothekindofpeoplewhoheraldthegrace ofGodandspreadthenewsofJesusChrist.Godhascommissionedthechurchtobethe communitythatembodiesthemessageofthegospel.Throughourcorporatelifetogether,we obeythegospelbylivingaccordingtothetruthofthemessagethatJesusChristisourSavior andtheLordoftheworld. HowTheyRelate Hereshowtherelationshipbetweenthegospelstory,announcement,andcommunitywork: STORY:CreationFallRedemptionRestoration.ThisisthegrandnarrativeofScripturethat providescontextfortheannouncement. ANNOUNCEMENT:JesusChrist.Theannouncementofhisperfectlife,substitutionarydeath, resurrection,andexaltationismadewithinthecontextoftheStory. COMMUNITY:Thegospelannouncementcallsfortheresponse(repentanceandfaith)thatGod usestobirththechurch.Thechurchistheembodimentofthegospel.Thoughthechurchisnot

thegoodnews,itputsondisplaythegoodnews.Thus,thechurchisaresultofthegospel, butIwanttoreiteratethatitisanecessaryresult. WhyItsHelpfultoThinkoftheGospelThisWay Thinkingwithintheframeworkofthethreeleggedstoolhashelpedmerethinklotsof areas,includingmissiology.Whenwewitnesstothegospel,weneedallthreelegsofthestool. WeneedtobeginwiththebigstoryofScripture,maketheannouncementofJesuswithinthat context,andtheninvitepeopletowitnessthegospelcommunityinaction,asweprovidean embodiedapologeticofthetruthoftheannouncement. Thinkingwithinthisframeworkhasalsohelpedmespotpotentialpitfallsintakingone legofthestooltotheexclusionoftheothers.Thestoryfortheindividualcangivethe impressionthatthechurchisanoptionalimplicationofthegospel,notthenecessaryresultof theannouncement.Likewise,somecanemphasizethevastnessofGodsredemptiveworkina waythatpushesoutthecrossanddiminishesthepracticeofurgingpeopletorepentofsinand trustinChrist. Thisframeworkhasalsomadesenseofmyexperienceintimesofsuffering.WhenIm facingatrial,thegospelstoryexplainsthefallennessofourworldandremindsmeofthefuture hope.Thegospelannouncementgivesmethetoolstodealwithsuffering,andalsoremindsme thatmylifehassignificanceinrelationto(notapartfrom)Christasthefocalpointofhuman history.Thegospelcommunityhasembodiedthegospeltomeduringsufferingbyholdingme upandremindingmeofthepromisesIhaveinChrist.