What is The Gospel Really About?
If asked this question, I would respond: It’s a long story about a short message. I’m serious; it’s as simple as that.
This short message is critical for any believer who sincerely desires a relationship with God. The Gospel explains God’s plan for us humans over the ages. Understanding God’s plan is a gateway to knowing God.
The word Gospel stems from the Greek word ‘Euangelion. There is an interesting piece of history behind the Greek word. In its simplest form, it came into use in the 12th century and means ‘Good News or Good Story.’ More than anything else, it concerns the purpose and life of Jesus Christ. It is interesting that in a world where 55% of people are not Christian, the word Gospel is often used by all as a measure of truth. ‘It’s the Gospel truth,’ you doubtlessly heard it said.
The sum of the teachings and life illustration of Jesus is the Gospel. There is only one Gospel in four accounts that are harmonious with one another. As to who physically wrote the Gospel, there is no single and uniform agreement among those who have studied the scriptures over the years. Most commonly believed that various people wrote for the apostles and evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
In my teachings on this site, I have noted that my words, and particularly my interpretation of the Bible, are not set in stone, as it always remains our responsibility to search the heart of God for answers to our questions.
Back to business, what was the good news that Jesus brought to the earth? Jesus said many things in his 3-year ministry here on this planet. What is it that He said and did that made the word, ‘Gospel’, stand out in this world, enduring all manner of mockery and abuse but continuing to bring hope to lost souls through to eternity?
The short message about a long story.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God. The Gospel is the long story of how God goes about repairing the damage caused by this act of disobedience. God set aside a period in the human calendar. According to a traditional biblical chronology, approximately 4,033 years passed between Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Eden and Jesus’ ascension into heaven. This is an estimate rather than an exact date, because Scripture does not provide a single continuous calendar from Eden to Christ.
The course of God’s strategy is like this:
During those four thousand years, God used many strategies to encourage obedience. He gave conscience, consequences, covenants, leaders, miracles, priests, sacrifices, prophets, kings, wisdom, exile, restoration, and finally the promise of a Messiah. The Ten Commandments were central, but they were part of a much larger divine strategy: God was teaching humanity that obedience could not come from outward rules, but would require a changed heart.
God repeatedly uses different means to call people back to obedience, trust, and a relationship with Him.
A more in-depth view of God’s strategy would be as follows:
Conscience. Before the written law was given, people still had an inner awareness of right and wrong. Cain, Noah’s generation, and others were accountable before Moses ever received the commandments.
Consequences God allowed people to experience the fruit of their choices. Disobedience brought disorder, fear, loss, exile, oppression, and suffering. These consequences were not merely punishment; they were also intended to awaken people to their need for God.
Covenants God made promises and agreements with people such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. These covenants gave people a framework for trust and obedience, showing that God was not only commanding but also committing Himself to them.
God raised up leaders and examples, such as Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, and others. Their lives showed what faith and obedience looked like in practice.
Miracles and deliverance. The flood, the Exodus, the Red Sea, manna in the wilderness, victories in battle, and many other acts showed that obedience to God was connected with His protection, provision, and power.
The priesthood and sacrifices. The sacrificial system taught people that sin was serious, forgiveness was necessary, and reconciliation with God required atonement. It prepared the way for Jesus.
The tabernacle and temple. These gave the people a visible center of worship. They reminded Israel that God desired to dwell among His people, not merely rule over them from a distance.
God sent prophets to warn, correct, encourage, and call people back when kings, priests, and the nation drifted away. Prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Elijah, and others were like God’s alarm bells.
Blessings for obedience God promised blessings, peace, fruitfulness, and protection when His people walked in His ways. Obedience was not presented only as duty, but as the path to life.
Exile and restoration. When Israel persisted in disobedience, exile became a severe lesson. But God also restored them, showing that judgment was not His final word; mercy was.
Wisdom teaching Books like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Psalms taught people how to live wisely before God in ordinary daily life.
In the promises of a coming Messiah, God kept pointing forward to One who would finally deal with sin, restore the heart, and bring people back into God’s purpose. This built expectation until Jesus came.
Until we meet again in Part Two
Love and Blessings
Peter James.