Topical Bible: Gospel: Called: Word of Salvation

◄ Gospel: Called: Word of Salvation ►

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The term "Gospel" is derived from the Old English "godspel," meaning "good news" or "glad tidings." In the Christian context, the Gospel refers to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is the proclamation of God's redemptive plan for humanity, fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Gospel is central to Christian faith and theology, serving as the foundation for the believer's hope and assurance of eternal life.

Biblical Foundation

The Gospel is often referred to as the "Word of Salvation" in the New Testament. This phrase underscores the Gospel's role as the divine message that brings salvation to those who believe. In Acts 13:26, the Apostle Paul addresses his audience, saying, "Brothers, children of Abraham, and you Gentiles who fear God, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent." Here, the "message of salvation" is synonymous with the Gospel, emphasizing its universal scope and divine origin.

The Nature of the Gospel

The Gospel is characterized by its transformative power and divine authority. It is not merely a set of teachings or moral guidelines but the very power of God for salvation. Romans 1:16 declares, "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 Gospel's efficacy in bringing about spiritual rebirth and reconciliation with God.

Content of the Gospel

The core content of the Gospel is succinctly summarized in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "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." This passage outlines the essential elements of the Gospel: the atoning death of Christ, His burial, and His victorious resurrection, all in fulfillment of the Scriptures.

The Gospel and Salvation

The Gospel is intrinsically linked to the concept of salvation. It is through the Gospel that individuals are called to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:13 states, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." This verse illustrates the process by which the Gospel brings about salvation: hearing, believing, and receiving the Holy Spirit as a seal of redemption.

The Universality of the Gospel

The Gospel is intended for all people, transcending ethnic, cultural, and social barriers. In Matthew 24:14, Jesus proclaims, "And this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." The universal proclamation of the Gospel is a testament to its inclusivity and the global scope of God's salvific plan.

The Response to the Gospel

The appropriate response to the Gospel is one of faith and obedience. Mark 1:15 records Jesus' call to action: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel." This call to repentance and belief underscores the necessity of a personal response to the Gospel message, leading to a transformed life in Christ.

The Gospel's Enduring Relevance

The Gospel remains relevant and powerful across all ages, offering hope and salvation to every generation. Hebrews 4:12 affirms, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword." This living and active nature of the Gospel ensures its continued impact and ability to penetrate the hearts of individuals, bringing about conviction, conversion, and spiritual growth.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 13:26
Men and brothers, children of the stock of Abraham, and whoever among you fears God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Word as a Means of Grace
... Lutheran Church, concerning the use and efficacy of the divine Word. ... come to Him;
but the Holy Spirit hath called me through the Gospel, enlightened me ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xvii the word as.htm

On the Vocation of Men to Salvation
... External vocation is by the ministry of men, who propound the word of the law and
of the gospel, and who are on this account called "workers together ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 16 on the vocation.htm

On the Sufficiency and Perfection of the Holy Scriptures In
... the word of faith which the apostles preached;" and for this reason the gospel is
called "the ministration of righteousness," "the word of salvation," and "the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 2 on the sufficiency.htm

God Undoubtedly Converts, Without the External Preaching of the ...
... converts, without the external preaching of the Gospel, great numbers ... for "the preaching
of the Divine word by mortal men," to be called "the ordinary ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/article xviii god undoubtedly converts.htm

On the Vocation of Sinful Men to Christ, and to a Participation of ...
... that both of the law and of the gospel, subordinate to ... The boundary to which they
are called, is, the communication ... according to the command of the word of God ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xlii on the vocation.htm

The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... in the Acts, that the stone is no other than Christ; the Gospel as follows ... they proceed
differently and ask, What is the Son of God when called the Word? ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm

How the Word is the Maker of all Things, and Even the Holy Spirit ...
... its seeming corollary, that the Spirit must have been called into being by the Word,
may certainly ... 4684] "and His Spirit," and in the Gospel He declares ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/6 how the word is.htm

On the Church of the New Testament, or under the Gospel
... from the period of his ascension into heaven, began to be called out from a state
of sin which was plainly manifested by the word of the gospel, and by ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lii on the church.htm

One and the Same God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, is He whom ...
... to be made visible to all flesh, [the Word] Himself being ... by the prophet, Out of
Egypt have I called my son ... by the prophets and announced by the Gospel; and His ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter ix one and the same.htm

The Canons of Dort.
... As many as are called by the gospel are unfeignedly called; for God hath most earnestly
and truly declared in his Word what will be acceptable to him ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 67 the canons of.htm