Good News (n.)
Greek: euangelion
To Proclaim the Good News (v.)
Greek: euangelizomai
The old English word we see translated for these Greek terms is often “gospel.” The gospel is the good news proclaimed. The euangelion (good news) has roots in being the joyful message brought by a messenger of a battle won. In context of Scripture, this applies to our fallen nature and the battle against sin. So, what is the Good News we proclaim?
THE GOOD NEWS
God is the holy Creator. God created the universe and everything in it, including you. He created people, not because He needed them, but so we could love, worship, and enjoy Him for eternity. God is holy: He has a perfect character, and He is infinitely greater than all the things He created. Because God is holy, He deserves to be worshiped and served by all people.
Genesis1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Samuel 2:2; Psalm 99:5; Revelation 4:8
Man is sinful. All people are sinners. We compare ourselves to others and see ourselves as good. However, compared to God’s standard of perfection, we fall woefully short. Rather than loving, worshiping, and serving God, we reject Him and worship ourselves. All the sins we commit, such as lust, lying, selfishness, and evil thoughts are in direct defiance of God’s law. Our sin shows God that we want to rule our own lives and make ourselves gods. Because we sin against God by rejecting Him and His law, we rightfully deserve judgment. God’s right judgment against sinners is eternal punishment in hell.
Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10-12; Romans 6:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
Jesus died for sinners. This is the Good News! Jesus was fully God and fully man, the Son of God. He was born to a virgin, lived a perfect life, died a criminal’s death, and was raised from the dead three days later. His death paid the sin debt of everyone who believes in Him. All the sin of His people was placed on His account, and all the His righteousness was placed on their account. His resurrection proves He defeated sin and provides eternal life for all who believe in Him.
Matthew 28:1-10; John 3:16; John 10; Romans 5:6-11; Philippians 2:6-10
Repent and believe. Salvation is a work that God does in the life of a sinner. Salvation is proven to be real when a person repents (turns his back on sin and turns toward God) and believes (trusts fully) in Jesus. Believing only the facts about Jesus saves no one, but the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection can save anyone. Repent and believe the Good News today!
Mark 1:15; John 3:16; John 6:29; Acts 17:30
