"The Gospel is not good advice to be obeyed, it is good news to be believed." - Harry IronsideContinuing last week's discussion, we have discovered that the primary idea of the gospel is glad tidings or good news from God. Now, let's build a little more on this simple definition of the gospel.
Good news, glad tidings, from heaven, would be wonderful if they related only to our natural wants and needs. For example, to hear God proclaiming peace over war, abundance over poverty, and health over sickness, would undoubtedly be cause for celebration.
But, these, no matter how free and deserved of our undying gratitude, can never meet our chief needs; they can never satisfy the soul. Its cravings are for spiritual well-being; its worst afflictions are the deep awareness of guilt; remorse of conscience, and an anxious expectation of judgment. These can all be pacified for a while, but not forever.
No good news is good news in the highest sense, unless it can gratify these requirements; supplies these wants, and corrects these wrongs. Without this, good news, even that which is sent by God from heaven, would be no more than some half-forgotten news about some personal or social triumph that once set your heart on fire.
We have all experienced this, and as such, no good news is good news to your rational judgment and immortal soul. But, certainly it is good news in relation to your sins and salvation, your future and your eternity.
If the veil could be removed from every heart, we would see that many of us who appear preoccupied with earthly and secular intellect, are in reality longing for good news of a very different kind. And what might this be?
It is the glad tidings of forgiveness, reconciliation, and safety for the joyful news that God is not their enemy, and hell is not their lot. That they are personally entitled to a portion of that perpetual inheritance; that secure possession which lies beyond the developments, worries, and upheavals of this present life.
It is important that we hear such news sooner or later, or be dejected and miserable. And this, incredibly, inspirative message; the good news or glad tidings, can be heard immediately in the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Join me next week as we continue our discussion on the Gospel. Until then, have a wonderful week and may God bless you!
Scripture: John 17:17; Revelation 21:5; 1 Corinthians 2:14; John 14:6; Psalm 12:6
Prayer: We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near. - Psalm 75:1
May the Lord bless!
Shawna
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