“…by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.” 1 Peter 1:12
What is the gospel? What does it mean? Simply put, the word “gospel” means “good news.” However, in Scripture we find an amplified meaning to the word which first of all encapsulates the “…joyous proclamation of God’s redemptive activity in Christ Jesus on behalf of man enslaved by sin.” If we should go further to see more of the experiential meaning, we must read what “Tyndale, the renowned English Reformer nd Bible translatore wrote: “It (the word gospel) signifies, ‘good, merry, glad and joyful tidings, that maketh a man’s heart glad, and makes him sing, dance, and leap for joy.'”
What of the origin of the gospel? It began in the heart of God before the world was created. In the book of Revelation we read, that the Lamb of God was “slain from the foundation of the world.” (13:8) Later on in the book we see during the terrible time of the tribulation on this earth, that John “…saw another angel fly in the midst of the heaven, having the everylasting gospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” We discover by this vision that this gospel has never, nor ever will change, but remains in tact as the subject of great joy, for in and by it the power of God is revealed for the salvation of man. Though the presentation of the gospel by this angel differs from that which was declared at Pentecost, and by the lips of the Lord Jesus, the truth and thrust of it is still the same. During the early church, and even unto this day, the preaching of the Gospel consisted of the declaration of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. With those truths comes the commandment to all men to repent, and believe it, embrace it, for by the truth of it, the power of God comes to save sinful and lost man. Just as certain as it is preached in the power and demonstration of the Spirit, so certain is its effects upon all who will believe. It is both the declaration of the absolute truth of sinful man, the perfect and Almighty Savior, and the means by which the grace and mercy of God comes to the individual man. During the period of the “last days” the call is to repent and believe the gospel, with the invitation that whosoever will may come, and whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The angel proclaiming the gospel during the tribulation again declares that it is very good news, but the admonition is a little different, though intended to accomplish the same objective of salvation of the sinner. The angel proclaimed with a loud voice: “Fear God, and give glory to Him: for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” (Rev. 14:7)
So, what is the magnitude of the Gospel, how great is its message? It is as great as eternity is long, having begun in the heart of God in eternity past, and remains everlasting in every aspect of its truth, power, and effect. It is also, as Isaiah put it, when speaking of the eternal God’s words, as opposed to those of men: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (55:9) With that glorious declaration comes the wonderful and great basis for hope for the sinner who hears the words of God, the gospel of Christ: “So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (55:11)
The gospel’s magnitude is revealed in its power to save.
Dear Father, Save us by Thy everlasting power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.