What is the Gospel?
In asking that question "What is the Gospel?" I am not looking for the technically correct answer. I would like anyone who wants to, just to share what the gospel is to them personally.
I will start with what it means to me: For me the Gospel is wrapped up in one word and that word is LOVE. And when I say LOVE I mean a love that goes way beyond what we humans can believe or understand. It’s a love that is witnessed all throughout our journey here on earth. I know that we have often said that there is no bad news in the good news (gospel) and that is a thought that is really beyond our comprehension, but the Gospel I believe in is truly just that. I appreciate Randy’s story about his friend because we sense in stories like that the true Gospel. In the Gospel there lies a power that speaks to the divine in all of us. It beckons us to see who we really are and who we really are is best defined by one word……LOVE. You see, we are the Gospel, we are the Love, we are more then we think we are and the sooner we begin to believe in the MORE PART the sooner the world will witness the true GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.
WHAT DOES THE GOSPEL MEAN TO YOU?
You can’t give what you don’t have. Early on I was taught that real love is nothing like earthly love. Somehow that led to a mindset that God’s love was more or less mechanical, void of feeling, impersonal. I understood His love to be this aspect of Him that sort of tolerated my imperfection with a patient but slightly disappointed nod. That was reinforced by what was modeled to me in the church environment I grew up in. Deep inside I wanted to believe His love was as passionate and rich and personal as the earthly love conveyed so colorfully in the ‘worldly’ music and art I enjoyed. I was told that those who were mature in love didn’t need to feel it. So I bought that lie and more or less became another religious mind numbed robot until finally one day I was brought face to face with how dead I was on the inside. I had no idea up until that time that the work of the Cross truly made me to be the object of His affection. Intimacy was no longer something for the afterlife, or something I could earn, it was simply available because HE desires it. Now I’m becoming ‘rooted and grounded and pickled in this love He freely lavishes upon me. This expressed love is bringing more wholeness and purpose in my life than I ever dreamed! I’m so glad the Good News really is good news! God so passionately, affectionately, extravagantly loves us as a Father, Friend, Lover! That’s the Gospel to Me. Can you tell I’m excited about this?!
Acts 20:24 “gospel of grace of God”
Romans 10:15 “gospel of peace, and glad tidings of good things”
Cor 4:4 “GOSPEL OF CHRIST WHO IS THE IMAGE OF GOD”
2 Tim 1:10 “BUT IS NOW MADE MANIFEST BY THE APPEARING OF OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, WHO HATH ABOLISHED DEATH, AND HATH BROUGHT LIFE AND IMMORTALITY TO LIGHT THROUGH THE GOSPEL”
GOSPEL IS GOOD NEWS TO A WORLD OF DEATH AND DECAY – JESUS CHRIST IS THE IMAGE OF GOD AND MAN IS MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD
CHRIST BROUGHT MANKINDS LIFE TO LIGHT THRU GOOD NEWS
SO WHEN MANKIND ASKS -IS THIS ALL THERE IS?- CHRIST SAYS – I HAVE BROUGHT LIFE AND IMMORTALITY TO LIGHT THRU GOOD NEWS
The gospel to me means FREEDOM to know I am loved and alive and will pass from this clay life into immortality, life in the spirit where I will be with the God who created me and where my fellow human beings will meet me there likewise. Then God will allow us to know all mystery and all our questions will be answered. As a clay person I don’t know the answers and I become frustrated until I remember to trust God and to see all he has created and it is very good. I am troubled by murder and hunger and all the unfairness but who causes it? Mankind. Thank God we were not left in this death pit. Jesus conquered death. Our clay body dies but is raised in HIS IMAGE and we will kNOW it!! HOW -WHEN -WHERE- WHY- WHAT?? I don’t know!! JESUS IS THE IMAGE OF GOD AND WE ARE CREATED IN THAT IMAGE! JESUS IS THE WORD of GOD and the WORD IS GOOD NEWS!! The bible tells me so. OOps – there I go being biblical again!
Because he first loved us – Sue
The gospel is Jesus Christ, and his forgiveness of sins for you.
That’s it. It’s not complicated. There is nothing for you ‘to do’.
It is freely given to you.
The good news is that our humanity and the sentence of death it was under, ended at the cross. There the opportunity was made for us to live on this earth in our TRUE identity that was created in the beginning. Not the identity that we formed for ourselves from our birth into this world. The way is wide open. Until now, this good news has been hidden, mankind has been blind to the fact that this gift is all wrapped up INSIDE our mortal bodies. The really good news is that today we can unwrap the gift, birth our true identity and start living from there. What better news could there be?
I agree Audrey and love the description of a gift that is all wrapped up INSIDE our mortal bodies. It is my constant goal for BG to be a place where we help each other get unwrapped.
The gospel is Jesus Christ, and his forgiveness of sins for you.
That’s it. It’s not complicated. There is nothing for you ‘to do’.
It is freely given to you.(Stevo)
Well if thats true, I dont have to believe. Yippee Im freaking Saved. Damn who here doesnt like free things.
The gospel to me is never ending love and mercy for all.It has brought love and joy to my heart and mind and to Bold Grace.
Love Dan
Guess we need to look at “gospel” and “grace”. Gospel= good news, grace=”is a GIFT, a GIVEN, not about meeting requirements for salvation later, but life in the present.” See my latest post for a discussion of justification by grace. http://donrogers.org
Titfortat,
It has always been said here at BG that one is redeemed whether they know it or not or want it or not, believe it or not, etc. Even smart alecs and those who don’t appreciate what has been done for them has Gods love and grace. Even you.
Because he first loved us – Sue
I encourage all of you to read Don R’s post….http://donrogers.org/
Thanks Don.
Sue, I’m glad you get IT. The wonderful thing about God’s LOVE for us is that we are left out of that equation and for good reason.
TitforTat, The gift we have all received was free for us but it was not free.
religious gospel says you have been redeemed by the blood sacrifice.
spiritual gospel says the realm of God is within you.
I can’t exactly answer this since I’m still figuring it out myself. However,for me it’s about being free to admit I’m wrong and I don’t have to have all the answers. I am allowed to try and fail. I don’t need to get it right the first time.
Well said Kiara
Even smart alecs and those who don’t appreciate what has been done for them has Gods love and grace. Even you.(Sue)
Just making sure I be who God intended.
Cliff
Just because Im curious, what exactly did Jesus sacrifice?
Jesus gave Himself.
Titfortat,
1 Cor 1:18 says “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness: but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
What does perish mean? It means wander away or lose oneself.
What does saved mean? It means not relying on the law(ones ability to get all things right) but to rely on Jesus and the cross.(Jesus took the burden of the law away – saved) This will bring mental peace while on earth.
God became flesh thru Jesus the Word whose death on the cross brought about the death of the law of self righteousness and Jesus the Word was
resurrected to give life to all.
God still loves you even if you don’t understand or “believe”.
Because he first loved us – Sue
TitforTat,
I’m not sure it really was a sacrifice for Him because he so clearly understood who he was (LOVE) and so for him to give his life was an act of LOVE (maybe that is a sacrifice). I think for us in this human clay suit the word sacrifice means more because we’re not as secure in our identity as He was. Not sure that makes any sense but I hope you get what I’m trying to say.
Sometimes I think the whole Jesus/Cross thing was more a demonstration/revelation of complete trust than anything. It’s as if Jesus was saying “I love you so much, and trust the Father so completely, that I am willing to endure this “baptism” (his term, not mine) from this world to the next to show that you, too, can trust the Father. We are the same, you and I… we are a part of each other and can never be separated. My identity in God is secure, and yours should be also, because we are eternally connected. Join me in trusting God that much, and watch your life change. Feel yourself being pulled into the kingdom and know that you are safe. This world will mistreat you… that is what it is designed to do. But, no matter how hard it gets, know deeply that you can trust the Father to see you through, and you will understand this world’s purpose in a time to come. Just trust.”
After reading the comments on this question I see it this way…….regardless of how I see or what I think the Gospel is, it is exactly what God intended it to be. As we see there are many thoughts as to what it actually is and most have a different view of what it is. I know what I think it is but that is all it is….what I think it is. There is a Truth out there as to what the Gospel actually is and means but it may not be what any of us have in our minds and hearts as to what it actually is.
I have my own thoughts as to what it could be but it would be futile to state that here as it would only be “another thought” that may or may not be true.
Again, there is only one Truth. All other is simply what we think it is.
After having said all that…….it really makes no difference what any of us think it might be. Redemption of the entire human race has already been secured in Him and my thoughts and ideas are simply that….my thoughts and ideas. This redemption plan is something that has been settled in my heart for a number of years now and I am learning as I go along that all other thoughts really make no difference.
Bruce, when you write from your heart you always touch me to the very core. Your words are so beautiful and I am so glad the creator saw fit to allow us this earthly connection.
Roy……What you say is so true….OUR THOUGHTS really have no bearing whatsoever on what the TRUTH is but at the same time God intended us to go through this life journey of constantly changing thoughts until we realize our final destiny. Thanks for your input.
Roy so good to here from you.Has anyone heard from Kenneth.
Love Dan
Roy,
I was under the impression BG is a website where all come to share their thoughts, ideas about what one has learned during their journey of life, and what makes sense to each about truth. I think all has a right to express that.
Your post expressed there is no need for anyone to share thoughts and ideas about truth which you were not going to do. Then you said, “Again there is only one truth.” “After having said all that…..it really makes no difference what any of us think it might be. Redemption of the entire human race has already been secured in Him and my thoughts and ideas are simply that…my thoughts and ideas.” Were you aware that you expressed your thoughts with those quotes? Isn’t that what all of us here are doing? Perhaps you did not mean to sound as if what you thought was the final word and all that mattered. I felt offended. I have learned many new ways of looking at scripture by listening to others and what they think. There are many truths to learn that help us understand.
I would very much like to know what your thoughts are on – what is the gospel?
Because he first loved us – Sue
What is the gospel?
The gospel means ‘good news’ – so what is the news of the day?
For me the gospel is:
Repent – the ability to change our situations in this life
For the kingdom of heaven – guidance and direction to a kingdom’s ethics based in love
Is at hand – The ability to do this now – not later – but effect our lives and those around us now
I guess I see the atonement as something quite simple (sort of). Jesus’ atonement is about equal access for all to come to God (Jew and Gentiles). The atonement is finished – done – nothing we can add to that. However, it provided all of us the access to God we always desired – and that’s just the best news ever!
Sue……I am not sure how you read in what I said that there was no need to share our views and ideas on this website or anywhere else for that matter. Of course it’s ok to do that as like you say, I shared mine by commenting. I was simply saying that regardless of what we may think Truth is, it can never change what it actually is.
And no I did not mean or say that what I think is the “final” word. Far from it. I am a bit at a loss to see how anything I said in my comment could have offended anyone but if it did I apologize.
What is the Gospel? To me it is that redemption has come to the entire human race. That is Good News.
Dan….I am in touch with Kenneth by email quite a bit. He is doing fine and quite involved with his own web site.
Roy said:
“As we see there are many thoughts as to what it actually is and most have a different view of what it is. I know what I think it is but that is all it is….what I think it is. There is a Truth out there as to what the Gospel actually is and means but it may not be what any of us have in our minds and hearts as to what it actually is.”
this is very well said, I think the Truth that you speak of is relative to the individual and their experience. Their understanding of this Truth may differ but is no less relevant, what is relevant to one does not need be so for another, and both can experience a fullness of Gospel. “work out your own salvation” Paul says, I think that verse could apply here.
Also Roy said:
“I have my own thoughts as to what it could be but it would be futile to state that here as it would only be “another thought” that may or may not be true.”
It would be futile to state that here you say, but the very next thing you share is just that:
“After having said all that…….it really makes no difference what any of us think it might be. Redemption of the entire human race has already been secured in Him and my thoughts and ideas are simply that….my thoughts and ideas. This redemption plan is something that has been settled in my heart for a number of years now and I am learning as I go along that all other thoughts really make no difference.”
Do you not realize you thoughts and ideas ARE “Redemption of the entire human race has already been secured in Him”? This supposed redemption plan you speak of is still the expression of peoples thoughts and ideas. The concept does not exist outside of humanity. No concept does.
I am not trying to pick apart here, but like Sue stated you give the impression your view is the final say on the matter and all other thoughts/ideas are just that and “make no difference”, kinda perplexing.
Societyvs wrote:
“The gospel means ‘good news’ – so what is the news of the day?
For me the gospel is:
Repent – the ability to change our situations in this life
For the kingdom of heaven – guidance and direction to a kingdom’s ethics based in love
Is at hand – The ability to do this now – not later – but effect our lives and those around us now”
This is absolutely golden, what power of now in the words you speak, thank you for such insight into Christ consciousness,
In Christ
Marco
What I meant by “it makes no difference” is this….it cannot change what the Truth is. If I believe a lie it does not make it true. A lie is still a lie whether I believe it to be true or not.
How anyone reads that I am saying my views are the “final say” on the matter is simply that….reading something that is not there. That to me is what’s perplexing.
Roy,
I was not looking for an apology. But thank you. What I was trying to say is one cannot make any comment without it being their opinion or their ideas or thoughts. What anyone says is a combination of all they have heard or read or been taught, mulled over to become what one thinks or believes. Truth to each person is relative to what one has experienced and learned, what we accept and reject. The higher TRUTH -called Gods WORD-that just IS- is what we seek and yes it IS reguardless of our thoughts. ALL people do not share the belief in or of God and Jesus and Grace etc. We need each other and sharing thoughts. My thoughts have been greatly enlightened by everyone who post at BG. I, too, am sorry if I misunderstood what you said. I am misunderstood at times as well because we humans sometimes have a hard time putting into words what our hearts want to say. Thankyou for sharing what the gospel means to you. I share your thoughts on that.
Because he first loved us – Sue
“After having said all that…….it really makes no difference what any of us think it might be. Redemption of the entire human race has already been secured in Him and my thoughts and ideas are simply that….my thoughts and ideas. This redemption plan is something that has been settled in my heart for a number of years now and I am learning as I go along that all other thoughts really make no difference.”
Roy do you not see a “final say” in the above comments you made? Would you deem “Redemption of the entire human race has already been secured in Him” as absolute Truth?
This redemption plan is something…, is that not a final say? Just trying to understand where you are coming from my friend, thanks for sharing, also Sue well said!
I think you already know where I am coming from Marco without me saying anymore. I didn’t comment last night in order to be brought into an argument about who is right or wrong. I was just stating my thoughts like most that comment on here do.
I know we will always have some that want to put across to others that they are much further ahead spiritually than all others but I can honestly say that I would rather lag behind in what little knowledge I have and enjoy the rest and peace I have found in Him. In case someone…anyone misreads into that as me meaning someone specifically by this comment, that is not so.
Roy,
You are right that no ones thoughts can change the TRUTH we all seek.
But that TRUTH is sought with our minds which has collected information, right or wrong, good or bad, during our lifetime. NO ONE has an understanding of TRUTH that does not conjure up questions. If we are created beings in Gods image and he gave us a mind and thoughts etc. then I suppose we are to use it and that it matters. NONE of us has a complete knowledge of that TRUTH. If we did it would not be somewhat elusive and there would be no need to think about it or discuss it. We all share bits and pieces of what that TRUTH is. YOUR post was exactly like the other posts in that it was YOUR thoughts, YOUR ideas of YOUR collected information in YOUR lifetime spit out as what YOU think is true. And your thoughts matter!! Others have the same right.
Because he first loved us – Sue
Very well put Sue and I fully agree.
If you could answer my questions it would greatly help me in understanding where you are coming from, I have an idea but some others here reading may not.
That is all, not trying to argue not sure why you are getting so defensive, I am glad you have found peace and rest, I am not disputing that.
“….we will always have some that want to put across to others that they are much further ahead spiritually than all others”
If this is in reference to me I regret you judge me in that light, I thought you knew me better than that, but I guess mabye all we ever had in common was religious doctrines. Thats too bad if so, but I would greatly appreciate atleast an answer to the questions I gave you in my last post,
Grace to you and Merry Christmas,
Marco
PS: I am open for a coffee sometime
I am finding the aging process to be a very humbling thing. I no longer have all the answers, and I can’t say that I have the last word on what the gospel means. But I do know what it means to me. And it means different things at different times. During this season of the year I am pondering the meaning of the baby in a stable, God become man at his most vulnerable moment. And I’m remembering some words said by that baby when He grew into a man – “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” So for me, right now the gospel means being vulnerable, reaching out to others and finding ways to show love in concrete ways to people who cross my path. And, I’m finding that the more I am able to do this, the more joy I have in my own heart. Hope all of you have a Merry Christmas!
I’m not being defensive Marco. I thought I made it clear in my last comment that I was not referring to anyone in particular…just making a general statement. The reason I worded it that way was to make sure no one would think I was judging them or pointing the finger at them as that was not my intention.
As far as where I am coming from, like you said, you know what it is and as far as anyone else wondering they can follow the link that this site has graciously placed on their Blogroll at the left of this page.
Connie,
Good thoughts. Thankyou.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family and to ALL who come to BG. Because he first loved us – Sue
Marco and Roy,
I feel responsible for this tiff between the two of you, so I’m going to butt-in. Marco, Roy does believe the Redemption for the entire human race has already been secured in HIM is absolute truth. He said so. That is his conclusion from all his collective learning and it is his right to believe it and to tell others of that belief. (this is not what I was referring to when I stated I thought he expressed a final say for all – which is now a dead subject). Roy, why not just answer Marcos ? again – it is a beautiful, loving, gracious plan which many believe. As far as anyone being spiritually ahead of anyone else – pure nonsense. Who has the right or can measure it? ALL of humanity is in the same boat.
Because he first loved us – Sue
Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!
No other good news even compares!
Sue….there is no tiff between Marco and myself so you don’t have to feel responsible for it. And I have answered his question. I agree with you that being ahead of anyone spiritually is pure nonsense and yes we are all in the same boat with the same Captain.
My first comment about Truth was just me stating something very simple and Cliff responded to my comment very well. What happened after that had nothing to do with me but just a few others reading something else than what I originally intended.
This of course is very easy to do as we all know that our minds are all different and what we have learned over the years influences our thinking in this present day perhaps more greatly than what we care to admit.
I believe the entire human race was redeemed at the cross apart from our involvement. I also believe we are all currently on a road of learning about what it means to be redeemed and that is what I call salvation of the soul (mind, will, emotions). The knowledge of redemption, and it is limited in my case, has placed me on a journey that is saving me. Salvation is always of the soul (mind,will,motions) and is an ongoing process.
Then again, don’t forget that these are my own thoughts and it is not something I am trying to impress on anyone else to believe the way I do about this. I am also not trying to start a discussion on this or anything else. I just felt I had to clarify why I made my first comment about this post.
My prayer is always that people would see and understand the full redemption of the Lord and live a life of rest and peace. The Gospel was always meant to be something simple and easy to be understood. I find some that comment here have some type of ideas about God etc that is likely not understood by many, if any at all. I am not criticizing their comments as I am fully aware we are all entitled to our own interpretation of what or who God is. I fully respect what others believe as we are entitled to our own interpretation of God. I am also not saying that my understanding of who or what God is is correct as we all know that the Truth about God can be very elusive.
At the end of the day it really makes no difference what I have believed or not believed. Our belief system is only how we perceive and live life here on earth. After we leave this life, and we all will at one time or another, who knows what will transpire. I sure don’t but I am confident that it is all under control and will be exactly how God intended to be, apart from any of our beliefs or actions.
In closing, I believe that when anyone tries to impose their belief system on others, it is just a form of self righteousness and we long to make people see things the way we do. That is definitely not my intention and I want to make that clear. I write this this evening with a humble heart and hopefully I have made my intentions clear and that no one will be offended by what I have said in this comment and in my previous ones as well.
Roy
Roy,
I love your humble heart and beautiful description of your love for God, his plan and your fellow humans. I can’t think of anyone on BG that has not been called to explain what they mean in their posts. It is just being human to disagree or misunderstand or be misunderstood. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts so please keep writing – you help others more than you know. Roy, you have every right to think what you believe about God to be true and correct. It always is – until we learn something else that expands our mind and that becomes our truth. Many at BG believe ALL mankind belong to God and none are lost, so you are not alone in your thoughts. Some do not share those thoughts and that is ok too. We are all at the very place we are suppose to be at this time. Thankyou so much for taking the time to write to me, you made me feel that I matter. I wonder what tomorrow will bring!
Because he first loved us – Sue
You matter indeed Sue. If we only knew just how much we matter in His eyes, nothing else would matter.
I’m glad that the little that I wrote touched your heart. As far as tomorrow….hey who knows. Thanks for the kind response to my comment.
Roy
hey Roy thanks for sharing, there was a time when I understood things just as you do, having moved on though I can still appreciate the meaning behind the message, if not the literal interpretation itself.
The love that is God includes all humanity, that was and still is the ability of the Christ spirit to redeem, save, heal and restore.
As we learn to abide in this great love we experience salvation,
Grace to all and Merry Christmas!
Marco
Toby,
Yes, I could hear the excitement in your post and I think it generated much excitement overall!!
Because he first loved us – Sue
ALL:
senario: A man and a woman married. They both tested as a genius. Their 1st child also a genius. Their second child a down syndrome child. How could that be? The parents did not love one more than the other. They loved each for who they were – a child from their love. God given human capacity. Just a glimse of Gods love for his children (ALL mankind) which leaves our comprehension of Gods love for humans and all his creation in the dust!! The peace that passes understanding. Yes Cliff, LOVE -whatever LOVE means.
Because he first loved us – Sue
Their 1st child also a genius. Their second child a down syndrome child. How could that be?(Sue)
It seems by the tone that there is something better about being a Genuis, rather than a Down syndrome child. Could you tell me what the difference is?
Tiefortat,
You miss the point so I won’t induldge you.
Because he first loved us – Sue
Thanks for not indulging me
Because he first loved us-John
Titfortat,
I just spent sometime at your website. I like it and enjoyed reading the comments as well. Because he first loved us – Sue
Sue
Thanks. Leave a message next time