Have you heard the good news of Jesus Christ?

I. Definition and Overview of the Good News

The phrase “good news” refers to the message that a loving eternal God, the Creator of all things, has made a way for humanity to have restored fellowship with Him. This is the central focus of Scripture, often called the gospel (from the Greek “euangelion”). According to this message, humanity’s broken relationship with God is reconciled through the sacrificial death and victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.

II. The Biblical Foundation for This Message

1. God’s Loving Initiative

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

This verse underlines God’s love for humanity. It demonstrates the proactive nature of God in sending Christ to rescue us.

2. Humanity’s Need for Redemption

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Scripture teaches that humanity’s sin has separated us from a holy God.

3. Provision Through Christ

“For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” (1 Peter 3:18a)

Jesus’ atoning work reconciles humanity to God, offering a way to be found righteous before Him.

III. The Good News in Historical Context

1. Historical Reliability of Scripture

Many archaeological finds, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered at Qumran, confirm that the words of the Old Testament have been transmitted accurately over centuries. Early papyri (like portions of the Gospels and Paul’s letters) also support the New Testament’s faithfulness to the original writings.

2. Fulfillment of Prophecies

Numerous Old Testament prophecies, such as those in Isaiah 53 describing the Suffering Servant, align with the life and work of Jesus. These fulfillments substantiate the claim that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah.

3. Archaeological and Geological Evidences

Several recognized sites, including the location of first-century Jerusalem, confirm the historical details of the events described in Scripture. In broader geological discussions, evidences for cataclysmic events, including large-scale sediment layers seen in places such as the Grand Canyon, are often cited within a framework that supports a global Flood (Genesis 6–8). These correlations reinforce the trustworthiness of the biblical narrative.

IV. The Problem of Sin and Separation from God

1. Nature of Sin

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Sin is not merely wrongdoing; it is fundamentally rebellion against God’s perfect standard. This rebellion results in physical and spiritual consequences—often summarized as spiritual death.

2. Need for Reconciliation

Because God is holy, sin cannot abide in His presence. Thus, Scripture documents the sacrificial system in the Old Testament (Leviticus) pointing to the need for atonement. These sacrifices foreshadow the once-for-all atonement made by Christ on the cross.

V. The Person and Work of Jesus Christ

1. Fully God and Fully Man

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

Jesus is eternally divine and also entered history in human flesh (John 1:14). This dual nature uniquely qualifies Him to be the mediator between God and humanity.

2. Evidence of Christ’s Miracles

Multiple eyewitness testimonies (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) attest to the miracles Christ performed, including healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and even raising the dead. These occurrences not only helped people physically but confirmed His identity.

3. His Sinless Life and Sacrificial Death

Jesus lived a sinless life, fulfilling every requirement of the Law (Matthew 5:17). His atoning sacrifice was the answer to humanity’s sin problem, satisfying the requirement for justice and opening the path of grace.

VI. The Crucifixion and Resurrection: Foundation of Our Hope

1. Historical Reality of the Resurrection

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4)

Multiple accounts—biblical and extra-biblical—speak to the reality of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Early church writings, such as those by Clement of Rome and Polycarp, reference these events as well.

2. Eyewitness Testimonies

Over 500 individuals reportedly saw Jesus alive after His crucifixion (1 Corinthians 15:6). Many of these witnesses eventually faced persecution or martyrdom while maintaining their testimony. This provides powerful evidence that they truly believed in what they saw.

3. Transformative Impact on Early Believers

The resurrection turned fearful disciples into bold proclaimers. Historical records show they spread the message and established communities that transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries, powered by their conviction in the risen Christ.

VII. Intelligent Design and the Creator’s Handiwork

1. Complexity of Life

Modern discoveries in biology and biochemistry increasingly point to the complexity of DNA, cellular structures, and the informational content required for life. This complexity offers a positive rationale for an intelligent Creator.

2. Design Reflected in the Cosmos

Astronomical observations (such as fine-tuning in constants like gravity and electromagnetism) demonstrate how precisely balanced our universe is for sustaining life. These findings correlate with Scripture’s declaration of God’s involved creation (Psalm 19:1).

3. Young Earth Perspectives

Proponents of a biblical timeline reference genealogies (e.g., Genesis 5, 11) to calculate a relatively recent creation of the earth. Geologic formations and evidence consistent with a catastrophic global Flood are integrated into this framework (Genesis 7:11–12).

VIII. The Path to Salvation

1. Repentance and Faith

“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Scripture teaches that genuine faith in Christ’s redemptive work—coupled with turning away from sin—brings about salvation.

2. Receiving the Holy Spirit

At the moment of true faith, God imparts the Holy Spirit, who convicts, comforts, and guides believers into increasing spiritual maturity (Ephesians 1:13–14).

3. New Life and Transformation

Believers are no longer slaves to sin but become children of God (John 1:12). This transformation is lifelong, evident in good works, a renewed heart, and alignment with God’s purposes.

IX. Practical Implications for Daily Life

1. Hope and Purpose

Knowing one’s ultimate purpose—to glorify God—instills hope regardless of circumstances. Believers find joy in following God’s commandments, serving others, and reflecting His love.

2. Spiritual Growth

Practices such as prayer, reading Scripture, gathering for worship, and loving one’s neighbor foster ongoing growth (Acts 2:42–47). These spiritual disciplines keep believers anchored in truth.

3. Confidence in Truth

The historicity of Scripture, combined with philosophical, scientific, and archaeological findings, provides a steadfast foundation. This confidence frees believers to proclaim the gospel boldly and compassionately.

X. The Eternal Perspective

1. Everlasting Life in Christ

Beyond physical existence, Scripture promises eternal fellowship with God for those who believe (John 14:2–3). This assurance motivates believers to live with an eternal mindset.

2. Victory Over Death

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Jesus’ resurrection signals death is not the end, offering a renewed hope in God’s power to redeem and restore.

3. Ultimate Restoration

The book of Revelation speaks of a new heaven and new earth where sorrow and pain no longer exist (Revelation 21:1–4). This culmination reflects God’s unwavering plan to dwell with His people forever.

XI. Conclusion

The good news of Jesus Christ stands upon a substantial foundation supported by reliable manuscripts, historical and archaeological evidence, and the internal testimony of Scripture. The reconciling work of Christ on the cross and the power of the resurrection form the heart of this message. Through repentance and faith, individuals throughout history and today find salvation and reconciliation with God.

This good news promises not only an eternal future in the presence of the Creator but also a life of meaning and hope now. It is an open invitation to all who seek truth and fulfillment, declaring that through Christ, the barrier of sin is overcome, and the door to eternal fellowship with God stands open.