The gospel is Jesus Christ. It’s a simple phrase that is opposed by many, including those who consider themselves Christian or otherwise “right with God.”
People do not naturally believe the gospel, nor are they born in the gospel. This is why it would be necessary for Jesus to preach in Mark 1:15 for people to “repent and believe in the gospel.” Paul’s desire expressed in Acts 15:7 was that people “should hear the word of the gospel and believe.” The gospel then requires a step on the part of the hearer, to move from the natural state to belief. Yet Paul himself is clear that not everyone will take this step of belief. In Rom. 10:16, he says “they have not all obeyed the gospel.” Speaking of Israel, Paul says in Rom. 11:28 “as regards the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake.” How could this be? The truth is veiled in some cases to those who are spiritually dead (2 Cor. 4:3), yet the gospel should still be preached to them (1 Pet. 4:6). Paul said in 2 Cor. 4:4 “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” There will be judgment (2 Thess. 1:8) for all who are not obedient to the gospel.
The simple message of the gospel as preached by Jesus drew leading questions and harsh criticism, it almost seemed to magnetically attract this type of person (Luke 20:1). The gospel is so simple that its simplicity can be forgotten, which is why Paul constantly seeks to remind Christians of the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1). Gospel substitutes and distortions have been present since the earliest days of Christianity (2 Cor. 11:4, Gal. 1:6-9).
In what could be taken as Paul’s mission statement or vision for ministry, he says in Rom. 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel.” The implication is that there are those who are ashamed of the gospel, whether under religious pretext or not. When a person believes and understands the gospel of Jesus in his grace and truth, that person joins with Paul in the activity of “opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel” in Eph. 6:19.
Do you understand that Jesus is the gospel? Does his incarnation and cross-work because of your sin ring true to the core of your heart as good news? Have you committed your life to the simplicity of the gospel? What is the message you are sharing with your world through your words and actions? Where do you find righteousness for yourself, and what message are you giving your world?
