"God so loved the world, He gave His
Only begotten
Son that whoever believes in Him shall not
Perish but have
Everlasting
Life" - John 3:16
The word gospel is used more than 75 times in the New Testament. The New Testament was written in Greek and when you look at the original language that was used in the manuscripts, the English word gospel is used to translate the Greek noun euangelion "good news" and verb euangelizo "to announce the good news". Of course the English word does have more meanings but essentially the Bible declares the gospel, or good news, of Jesus.
As I was listening to the radio this week, I heard a pastor talk about how the G.O.S.P.E.L. was in John 3:16, probably the most well-known verse in the Bible. As I wrote above, here is where you can find it:
God - the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Your Father in heaven who loves you unconditionally.
Only begotten - there was no other who could take the punishment for the sins of the world.
Son - speaks to the relationship that Jesus had with the Father.
Perish - those who choose not to accept the free gift of salvation that Christ has paid for will eventually have to pay the price of their own sin. But you don't have to. Jesus did that on the cross.
Everlasting - those who trust in Christ are assured an eternal life in heaven. Take a moment to truly think about eternity. It never ends. Would you rather spend an eternity with God or without Him? We all answer that question here on earth and reap the consequences of our answer after we die.
Life - the opposite of death. Those who trust in Christ alone for the forgiveness of their sins will experience a life with God that is beyond words.
So what exactly is the good news? Jesus Christ came to earth, lived a sinless life, took the punishment and wrath of God for the sins of the world and most importantly resurrected so that we could experience an eternity with Him in heaven. THAT is the gospel and it is good news indeed.
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