Noah Webster had a correct definition of “gospel” in his 1828 dictionary. Here is the first part.
GOS'PEL, n. {L. evangelium; a good or joyful message.}
The history of the birth, life, actions, death, resurrection, ascension and doctrines of Jesus Christ; or a revelation of the grace of God to fallen man through a mediator, including the character, actions, and doctrines of Christ, with the whole scheme of salvation, as revealed by Christ and his apostles. This gospel is said to have been preached to Abraham, by the promise, "in thee shall all nations be blessed." Galatians 3:8.
It is called the gospel of God. Romans 1:1.
It is called the gospel of Christ. Romans 1:16.
It is called the gospel of salvation. Ephesians 1:13.
(This is a very good definition. Why change the meaning?)
If we say nothing else regarding the gospel, we must say that Jesus Christ is the gospel. He is the Good News. He is the Alpha and Omega. He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. He is the Altogether Lovely. He is the Bright and Morning Star. He is the Bread of Life. He is the Water of Life. He is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. He is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. There is so much more in scripture that we could say regarding Him. The main point being, He is God’s answer to this world of sin. Without Him, all men and women are lost!
Under the New Covenant that God has made, Jesus is the divine substitute. He is the Saviour. He is the sacrifice. He is the answer for all our sins. Do you realize that there is absolutely no other way of salvation given but Him? He said it clearly “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) He also said “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37) Men and women laugh about this remedy that God has provided. It is sad, for God will have the last laugh. Over 2000 years ago God sent His only Son, with the only answer for the rebellion of Adam and us; Adam’s children. It seems that so few hear the word today, but those who do will be with God for eternity. Those who do not will be in hell for eternity. Think about this, my friend. You see, there is only one true gospel message. There are a number of imitations. Truly the devil has devised a dubious scheme to bewilder the souls of multitudes. There are other methods he offers. There are other songs he sings. There are other ways he offers. Don’t be deceived! Jesus is the only way; the only saviour; the only Lord. The only true choice.Trust Him!
Satan will tell you a lie. He will tell you that it is all a fairy tale; that you don’t need anyone. Remember, the same devil will tell you that you will never die, or at least it will be many years before you do. There are people dying every day, old and young. You and I will have to die much sooner than we think. If we fail to trust Christ, we have been deceived. The devil will also try to convince you that you are not a bad person. If that doesn’t work, he will agree that you should be saved, but wait a little while. You haven’t sown enough wild oats yet. You have lots of time. The word of God has many warnings such as the following “We then, as workers together with him, plead to you also that all of you receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he says, I have heard you in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I helped you: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2; UKJV) The apostle was speaking of today being the day of salvation. He is speaking of your repenting now!
Sinners must not toy with God. “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.” (Hebrews 3:12-16) In other words, there are many who heard, but did not heed the word of God.
God’s word tells us in so many places that this is no joke. We can’t expect to spend eternity in heaven with the Lord after rejecting Him here. There are so many that are deceived. He tells us clearly “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) All lost sinners will collect those wages after their deaths. Those who received Christ’s gift of eternal life will go to be with Him. Which is it for you?
When Jesus first came to earth, he was about speaking the word of God to sinners. On the trip he was on at about 12 years old, He went to the synagogue to discuss the gospel truths with the elders. He fascinated them with his knowledge of the word. (Read Luke 2:40-50).Then, when He was grown, He went to be baptized by John the Baptist. One of His first messages was to Nicodemus in John 3, where He told Nicodemus “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John 3:7) That message was not only for Nicodemus, who evidently received it, and became a Christian (see John 19:39). That is what we must also do. There is only one way of salvation; the new birth. The gospel is real, and everlasting. Jesus is real and everlasting. There is no other saviour! “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
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