Why is the gospel called 'good news'?

The term "gospel" comes from the Old English word "godspell," which means "good news" or "glad tidings." In the context of the New Testament, the gospel is indeed "good news" for several profound reasons that resonate deeply with the core of Christian faith and theology. Understanding why the gospel is called "good news" requires us to delve into its transformative message, its historical and spiritual significance, and the hope it offers to humanity.

First and foremost, the gospel is considered "good news" because it announces the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, into the world. The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are central to the Christian faith. According to the Gospel of Luke, the angel proclaimed to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11, NIV). This announcement signifies the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah, who would bring salvation and redemption to humanity.

The "good news" of the gospel is also rooted in the promise of salvation and eternal life. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, NIV). This verse encapsulates the essence of the gospel message: God's profound love for humanity and His provision for eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. The assurance of salvation and the hope of eternal life are indeed good news for a world grappling with sin, suffering, and mortality.

Furthermore, the gospel is "good news" because it offers forgiveness of sins. The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:23-24, NIV). The gospel reveals that through Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, our sins are forgiven, and we are reconciled to God. This forgiveness is a gift of grace, not something we can earn through our efforts. It liberates us from the burden of guilt and shame, allowing us to live in the freedom of God's love and mercy.

The gospel is also "good news" because it brings about a new creation and transformation in the lives of believers. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in his second letter to the Corinthians: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV). Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are regenerated and transformed into new creations. This transformation involves a change of heart, mind, and behavior, aligning us more closely with God's will and purposes. The gospel empowers us to live lives that reflect the character and love of Christ.

Moreover, the gospel is "good news" because it establishes the kingdom of God. Jesus began His ministry by proclaiming, "The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15, NIV). The kingdom of God represents God's reign and rule in the hearts and lives of His people. It is characterized by justice, peace, and righteousness. The gospel invites us to participate in this kingdom, to experience its blessings, and to work towards its realization in our world. The promise of God's kingdom brings hope and purpose, as it points to a future where God's will is fully realized on earth as it is in heaven.

The gospel is also "good news" because it unites people from diverse backgrounds into one family of faith. The Apostle Paul writes, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28, NIV). The gospel breaks down barriers of race, ethnicity, social status, and gender, creating a community where all are equal and valued in the eyes of God. This unity and inclusivity reflect the heart of God, who desires that all people come to know Him and experience His love.

Additionally, the gospel is "good news" because it provides comfort and hope in times of suffering and adversity. Jesus Himself said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NIV). The gospel assures us that Jesus has overcome the powers of sin, death, and evil. It offers us peace and strength to endure life's challenges, knowing that we have a Savior who understands our struggles and walks with us through them. The hope of the gospel sustains us, reminding us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18, NIV).

The "good news" of the gospel also includes the promise of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples that after His ascension, He would send the Holy Spirit to be with them. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (John 14:26, NIV). The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith, guides them into all truth, and equips them for service in God's kingdom. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a source of comfort, guidance, and empowerment, enabling us to fulfill God's purposes in our lives.

Furthermore, the gospel is "good news" because it calls us to a life of love and service. Jesus summarized the law and the prophets with the commandments to love God and love our neighbors (Matthew 22:37-40, NIV). The gospel compels us to love others as Christ has loved us, to serve those in need, and to work for justice and peace. This call to love and service is transformative, not only for individuals but for communities and societies. It reflects the heart of God and manifests His kingdom on earth.

The gospel is also "good news" because it offers a future hope. The New Testament speaks of the return of Christ and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth. The Apostle John writes in the book of Revelation, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away'" (Revelation 21:3-4, NIV). This vision of a renewed creation where God dwells with His people and all things are made new is the ultimate fulfillment of the gospel's promise. It is the hope that sustains believers and motivates them to live faithfully in the present.

In conclusion, the gospel is called "good news" because it encompasses the entire narrative of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ. It announces the arrival of the Savior, offers salvation and eternal life, provides forgiveness of sins, brings about transformation, establishes God's kingdom, unites believers, provides comfort and hope, promises the Holy Spirit, calls us to love and service, and offers a future hope. The gospel is indeed good news for all who embrace it, for it reveals the depth of God's love and the breadth of His redemptive plan for humanity. As we reflect on the gospel, let us be reminded of its power to transform lives and its call to share this good news with others.