WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
The word gospel comes from an Old English term meaning “good news,” rooted in the Greek word euangelion. Before Christianity, euangelion was commonly used in Roman culture to announce news of victory—especially after military triumphs or the rise of a new king. When a ruler claimed victory, messengers were sent throughout the empire proclaiming the glad tidings of his reign.
The writers of the New Testament deliberately adopted this word to describe the message of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. Christ means “the Anointed One,” a title deeply connected to Old Testament themes of kingship, priesthood, sacrifice, and God’s dwelling with His people. By using a word associated with imperial announcements, the early church made a bold declaration: Jesus Christ is King.
This understanding of the gospel is rooted in the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“The LORD has anointed me to preach good tidings to the meek…” (Isaiah 61:1)
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7)
The four Gospel accounts in the New Testament proclaim this very message. They are declarations of the victory of Jesus Christ—the Son of God—over sin, death, and the grave. Jesus died, was buried, and was raised from the dead. He now reigns at the right hand of God, and this victory is the foundation of Christian hope. Because He defeated death, all who are united with Him share in His resurrection and eternal life.
Scripture affirms this truth:
“[Jesus] is the brightness of God’s glory and the express image of His person… when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” —Hebrews 1:3
“He Himself likewise shared in flesh and blood, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” —Hebrews 2:14
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” —Galatians 3:26–27
“We were buried with Him through baptism into death… that just as Christ was raised from the dead… we also should walk in newness of life.” —Romans 6:4–5
“But God, who is rich in mercy… even when we were dead in sins, made us alive together with Christ.” —Ephesians 2:4–5
This is the gospel: Jesus reigns, death is defeated, and new life is offered to all who are in Christ.
