“…Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people” (Luke 2:10 NKJV). These were the words the angels used to announce the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in the field. The word “gospel” is from the Greek word “euagglion.” “Eu” means “good,” and “aggelos” means “to announce.” This was indeed good news to those who were watching for the coming of the Messiah.
The good news is seen in the fact that Jesus would save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). It is called the Gospel of peace in Romans 10:15. In 2 Timothy 1:10 Paul spoke of God’s purpose, which was planned before time began, and “…has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” The good news for mankind is found in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). His sinless life, His sacrificial death and His return from the grave to live for eternity is the one and only hope that mankind has in this world. It is only through Him that we have the promise of God for eternal life. John said, “And this is the promise that He [God] has promised us—eternal life” (1 John 2:25). There is no partiality in this, but all of every nation who fear God and work righteousness are accepted by Him (Acts 10:34-35). The writer of Hebrews says that Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). Now, that is the good news of which there is none greater, nor has it been equaled.
The good news of salvation is learned. However, it is much more than a set of facts to be believed; it is a relationship to be embraced. Jesus said, “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Matthew 22:32). This implies not only life after death, but it also implies that God is alive, attentive and a personal God. He is Abraham’s God, Isaac’s God and Jacob’s God. When a person is obedient in the faith, then God becomes a personal God, not just in the life to come, but now. That is why Jesus taught the disciples to pray “Our Father which art in haven. Hallowed by thy name” (Matthew 6:9 KJV emphasis added).
When Simon the Sorcerer was baptized by Phillip in Acts 8, he was a young Christian, inexperienced in living the Christian life. His old habits were still hanging on. So, when he saw the power of the Holy Spirit working in Peter and John, he offered them money to give this gift to him as well. When Peter told him that his heart was not right, and that he had no part in this work, Simon did not turn away from his new relationship with God. He recognized that the good news of the Gospel was far more valuable than the riches his former profession could ever have offered him. Yet, he needed to grow in his knowledge and in his personal relationship with his Heavenly Father. He requested Peter and John’s help in praying to God for forgiveness, and he continued to embrace his relationship with his Father.
Later on in Acts 8, there was a man from Ethiopia who heard the Gospel of peace, believed the good news and obeyed from his heart the facts Phillip had taught him about salvation through Jesus Christ. Following his baptism, Phillip was caught away, leaving the man from Ethiopia alone, or was he? This man went on his way rejoicing in the knowledge that he now had a relationship with One who would never leave him nor forsake him even in eternity.
Every faithful Christian who realizes (not only in an academic way, but in a personal, heartfelt way) the Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ has reason to rejoice. The “good tidings of great joy” are found in Jesus Christ and are there for all who would embrace them. Let the good news of the gospel bring great joy to your heart in this new year, and, for all eternity.
