Topical Encyclopedia The term "Good News," often synonymous with the "Gospel," is central to Christian theology and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Good News is the proclamation of God's redemptive plan for humanity, fulfilled through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This message is foundational to the Christian faith and is emphasized throughout the New Testament.Old Testament Foreshadowing While the explicit term "Good News" is not used in the Old Testament, the concept is foreshadowed through prophecies and promises of a coming Savior. Isaiah 52:7 declares, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" This passage anticipates the announcement of salvation and the reign of God, which is fulfilled in the New Testament. The Announcement of the Good News The New Testament begins with the announcement of the Good News. In Mark 1:14-15 , Jesus Himself proclaims, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!" This marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and the call to repentance and faith in the message of salvation. The Content of the Good News The Good News centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 , the Apostle Paul summarizes the Gospel: "Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and in which you stand firm. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: 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." The Power of the Good News The Good News is not merely a message but is imbued with divine power. Romans 1:16 states, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." This verse highlights the transformative power of the Gospel for all who believe, regardless of their background. The Universal Call of the Good News The Good News is intended for all people, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries. In Matthew 28:19-20 , Jesus commissions His disciples, saying, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This Great Commission underscores the universal scope of the Gospel message. The Response to the Good News The appropriate response to the Good News is one of faith and repentance. Acts 2:38 records Peter's exhortation: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." This response involves a turning away from sin and a turning toward God, resulting in the forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Hope of the Good News The Good News offers hope for the present and the future. In Colossians 1:5-6 , Paul speaks of "the hope reserved for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you." This hope is not only for eternal life but also for a transformed life here and now, as believers live in the light of the Gospel. The Good News, therefore, is the heart of the Christian message, offering salvation, transformation, and hope to all who receive it by faith. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 15:30The light of the eyes rejoices the heart: and a good report makes the bones fat. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 25:25 Library N. The Last Words. Ch. 24:44-49 The Person and Work of the Substitute The Gospels in General Concerning the Lord's Supper The Life of Mr. Hugh M'kail. The Resurrection of Lazarus Testimonies. The First Native Converts and Christian Schools The Agreement of Salvation by Grace with Walking in Good Works Appendix. Resources What is the problem of good? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about good versus evil? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is good? | GotQuestions.org Good: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Good and Evil: Choice Between, by Adam and Eve Good and Evil: Conflict Between Good and Evil: Exhortation to Choose Between Good and Evil: Subjective Conflict Between Good for Evil: General Scriptures Concerning Good for Evil: Returning: Abraham, to Abimelech Good for Evil: Returning: David, to his Enemies Good for Evil: Returning: David, to Saul Good for Evil: Returning: Elisha, to the Syrians Good for Evil: Returning: Jesus, to his Crucifiers Good for Evil: Returning: Stephen, to his Murderers Good News: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences) |
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