Sharing the Gospel of King Jesus
EVANGELISM ARTICLE | Sean Cavender | Wichita, Kansas
Introduction
After His resurrection, Jesus told His apostles that “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). Jesus soon ascended into heaven and was exalted to sit on David’s throne, reigning as king over His kingdom (Acts 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11). Following this claim to kingly authority, Jesus then told His apostles to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I command you…” (Matthew 28:19-20). Throughout the book of Acts, we see the apostles work in fulfilling Jesus’ words. As the church grew and more and more people were converted to Christ, all disciples began to share the word of God with those who were not disciples of KIng Jesus (Acts 8:4).
When we think about evangelism, we often look for ways to motivate Christians to overcome fears or consider methods of evangelism. These are necessary and important lessons regarding evangelistic efforts. However, there may be something that is missing in some discussions about evangelism. Perhaps we need a better and more robust understanding of the gospel if we will be effective communicators with those who are lost and separated from Christ. Therefore, this article will seek a fuller understanding of the gospel to be better equipped to share the gospel with others. One aspect that I am convinced will help us be more confident in our presentation of the gospel to those lost in sin is our own recognition and appreciation of the authority and kingship of Jesus of Nazareth. If we recognize Jesus’ kingship, we should be more apt to share the gospel with others.
What is the Gospel?
The gospel is God’s power to save man from his sins (Romans 1:16). With such power, we should better understand the gospel. So, what precisely is the gospel? Some people seek to reduce the gospel’s core components about Jesus’ life. One popular — and biblical — definition of the gospel is from 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 where Paul states that Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection are the gospel. Some people limit the gospel to be only the death, burial, and resurrection. While there are certain essential aspects that we must accept and believe as true that are indeed part of the gospel, the lists that some people have narrowed down the gospel to only three, five, or seven core parts to the life of Jesus fall short. I believe the gospel is more robust than a simple list of only a few items.
The English word “gospel” comes from the Greek word euangelion, defined as “good news.” Since the gospel is God’s power to save us from our sins, we likely think of the word “gospel” as only a religious word. However, that isn’t very accurate. Notice one particular definition:
“The word euangelion was not invented by the gospel writers but was already in use in the Roman world, euangelion. It referred to an announcement of “glad tidings” regarding a birthday, rise to power, or decree of the emperor that was to herald the fulfillment of hopes for peace and well-being in all the world. Mark redefines this concept of “glad tidings” by introducing his gospel with the phrase, “the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ,” implying that it is really the birth and subsequent actions of Jesus that will change the face of the world in a cosmic way that no earthly king could ever do. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, brings true and lasting well-being and peace to the world, in fulfillment of OT hope” (Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words)
The word “gospel” was a secular word that could reference politics and political rulers. For example, certain events might occur within a country and empire, and a herald would be sent out to make announcements to the kingdom’s citizens. The New Testament uses the word “gospel” and shapes it around Jesus Christ and His kingdom. This should immediately cause us to recognize a broader use of the term gospel.
The Gospel Paul Preached
First, the gospel is God’s gospel (Romans 1:1). The apostle Paul made it clear that he was called as an apostle, appointed and called by God to preach it. The gospel is God’s gospel because it contains His power for salvation (Romans 1:16). Also, God gives us hope and peace through the gospel (Romans 15:13, 33; 16:20). The gospel contains the message of God’s activity and work in the world through Jesus Christ, His defeat of Satan, and His rescuing the world from sin (Romans 15:25-27). The gospel is about the “only wise God” who saves us from sin, and the gospel is rightly about Him and from Him.
Secondly, the gospel is about fulfilling God’s promises (Romans 1:2). The Old Testament prophets and the Old Testament Scriptures contain those promises. Paul appealed to two Old Testament examples, Abraham and David, in Romans 4 to express the blessing and promise of forgiveness and justification by grace (Romans 4:1-8). Later, Paul would show that God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s son, Isaac, indicated that God planned to offer justification, salvation, and blessing to both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 9:6-8). God fulfilled this promise ultimately through Christ coming into the world (Romans 9:5). To fully appreciate the gospel of God, we must know and understand the Old Testament so we can see the gospel’s unified story.
Thirdly, the gospel is a proclamation about God’s king and kingdom. Paul states that the gospel of our God is “concerning His Son” (Romans 1:3). The gospel is the good news that involves the person and story of Jesus Christ! Jesus was born a descendant of King David. The gospel of God identifies Jesus as the promised heir to the throne of David, the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises (2 Samuel 7:16; Isaiah 9:6-7). When Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus was announced, Gabriel declared that her son would fulfill these Old Testament expectations of placing a king on the throne of David (Luke 1:31-33). Gabriel’s message was a gospel message — a declaration about the future birth of God’s Son and the king who would rule over God’s kingdom!
The Gospel of the Kingdom
When discussing the gospel, it is fitting to talk about Jesus Christ, especially His kingship. If people only reduce the gospel to His death, burial, and resurrection, they miss out on Jesus’ kingship and authority. The gospel of Mark opens by stating the beginning of the gospel starts with the preaching of John the baptizer, who preached about the kingdom of God (Mark 1:1; Matthew 3:2). Then, somewhat surprisingly, Jesus Himself continued John’s mission and preached the gospel of the kingdom (Mark 1:14-15)!
Since Jesus preached the gospel, the gospel is not only about Jesus. We must begin to grasp a fuller and more comprehensive understanding of the gospel. The gospel is a declaration about God’s kingdom and its establishment. It is a proclamation of the kingdom and its laws. The gospel is about becoming a part of the kingdom of God. When the blood of Christ saves us, the Father transfers us into the kingdom of His Beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). Jesus is head of the church and rules over the kingdom of God, sitting at the right hand of God (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:20-23). We are now citizens of God’s kingdom (Philippians 3:20). Therefore, the gospel includes preaching and teaching about Christ’s authority and church.
The Gospel Promotes Faithful Obedience to God
The gospel of God is good news about salvation in Jesus Christ, but it is not merely news that someone hears and ignores. The gospel of God requires a response — the obedience of faith (Romans 1:5; 16:26). God saves those who believe and obey the gospel (Romans 1:16; 6:16-17). On the other hand, if people do not obey the gospel, God will condemn them for their disobedience (1 Peter 4:17). The good news about Jesus Christ should motivate people to believe in Jesus as their Savior and the Son of God, who is Lord and King. Therefore, they should believe in Him when they hear the message of Christ (Romans 10:17), and they should confess their faith (Romans 10:9-11). Are you ready to give your life in allegiance and obedience to King Jesus?
The gospel promotes obedience to God and invites people to participate and join Jesus Christ. Paul writes about being united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection when believers are baptized (Romans 6:3-6). Therefore, believers are invited to join Christ, and upon being baptized, they will be saved, justified, and given the newness of life.
Conclusion
When we recognize the fullness of the gospel, we should be more willing and more motivated to share the gospel. Since the gospel is about God’s work of saving us from our sins, His authority, and obedience to King Jesus, we should be eager and ready to invite others to become a part of the kingdom of God. We should help show them how to join their lives with Christ in baptism. When we have a deep and abiding loyalty to our King Jesus, we will eagerly teach others the message of grace and hope! Therefore, let us begin to love the complete picture of the gospel of the kingdom of God.
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October 2022 | GROW magazine
