Precisely What Is Covered, Or Meant, By The “Gospel of Christ”?
Posted: Sunday, December 18, 2011
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
The term “Gospel” is like many others, if you ask twenty people, you are likely to get twenty answers, differing in view. It really isn’t a complicated word, yet it has been used over many centuries, in differing ways so the precise answer is elusive. The word is a derivative of an Anglo-Saxon word which meant, “the story concerning God”. Yet, as it is used in the New Testament it is translated from Greek word “euaggelion” which means “Good News”.
It means remission of sins and reconciliation with God through Christ. The gospel is not only a message of salvation, but also the instrument through which the Holy Spirit works. It carries the message of instruction as to how to attain all of these “good news” items. When this is all understood, we begin to see that the Gospel includes the entire New Testament and here are some reasons why.
The first four books of the New Testament are referred to as the four gospels, and rightly so, however, this has a tendency to cause people to think that is all of the gospel. It is not. These four books are devoted to the announcement of Jesus’ birth, his life, his purpose, his death, resurrection, his choosing 12 apostles to establish and grow his church after his death and to perpetuate his doctrines.
When we say “the Gospel of Christ”, it has multiple meanings. His coming, his purpose and the other things mentioned in the preceding paragraph, can readily be said the “good news” of Christ’s coming. That can be the true meaning of “gospel” the hearing about Jesus. Good news, indeed. But, the teachings of Christ are only scantly covered in those four books. So, the “gospel of Christ” would also be accurate when used to describe his teachings. This was mainly left to his Apostles. Their writings are Jesus’ doctrines, his proclamations. Here are a couple of scriptures that perhaps will clarify that a bit.
These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:25-26 KJV).
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (John 16:7-15KJV)
When we consider that the “Gospel of Christ” includes both the message of his coming and it’s purpose as being the “Good News” of our being freed from the bondage of sin through obedience, and also, gives us the gospel message of his doctrines, given by himself personally and then via the Holy Spirit, by the inspired apostles. This understanding also separates Jesus law from the Old Testament law given through Moses to the 12 tribes of Israel. Although those books contain God’s truths, they were given to and intended for, the bringing us to the messiah, Jesus Christ. The message spoken by God the Father at the time of Jesus’ transfiguration, explains that fact.
And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. (Matthew 17:1-8 KJV)
Notice the phrase, “hear ye him”. That is God’s way of telling them that from hence forth, Jesus is the source of our reverence and obedience to. No longer Moses and Elias (or the prophets).
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)thanks for the studyThank YOU for reading and commenting
Joel, how timely; just in time for Christmas.
The book of John has always been my favorite for its simplicity and clarity of Jesus' message. I don't see the first four books of the NT as only the gospel (good news), but it is packed with wisdom, especially regarding the messenger of the Holy Spirit. From God, to Jesus to the Holy Spirit. They are one and we can receive all three through the latter if we simply believe.
Thank you William, for reading and commenting on my article, I sincerely appreciate it.
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