Plain Truths of Perpetual Value:- 5

Twelve unique features of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Introduction:-
          It’s a world of news. The phenomenal growth of information technology, especially print and electronic media is evidence to that.

          Man is searching for ‘breaking news’, events and information that can cheer him, help him. Alas, go through the news paper, or any other media, what the common people have to face, news that takes away our joy, disturbing events, ads that corrupt our minds and empty our pockets!

          Even the so called ‘good news’ is cheating. Only later we come to know that it was not actually good news but a business trick to attract our attention.

Only one ‘Gospel’!
          There is only one good news worth to its name, that is the good news about Jesus Christ. Why does the Bible call it gospel or good news? How does it remain good news for man-kind even in this age of information explosion?

          Consider the following twelve distinguishing features of the gospel of Christ according to the word of God, The Bible. To help you grab the truths easily we avoid giving explanation. If any doubt feel free to write to the author.

i. It is the fulfillment of God’s promises. Romans.1:2. Gen.3:15. The hope and expectations of man for centuries are fulfilled in Christ.

ii. Christ Himself is the gospel. 2 Timothy 2:8. Gospel is not just about what Christ did or spoke. He Himself is the gospel; His birth, sinless life, atoning death, triumphant resurrection from the dead, present work of the risen Lord Jesus Christ, all these are part and parcel of the gospel truth.

iii. It is the power of God. Romans.1:16; 1Corinthinas.1:24. The ‘dynamite’ of God, powerful enough to transform any man.

iv. It is the manifestation of God’s righteousness. Romans. 1:17. God’s righteous demands met on the cross. So, it is good news to man who fails to meet the divine demands.

v. It is the manifestation of God’s love. Romans. 5:8. Message of love, that God loves the unworthy, unlovable sinner.

vi. It is the manifestation of God’s grace. Acts.20:24. God’s free provision for man who never deserves it.
Notice: - On the cross, all the divine qualities met- His justice, holiness, grace, love and righteousness etc. There God meets man and man meets God!

vii. It brings salvation. Ephesians. 1:13; 1Corinthians. 15:2. Man’s search for salvation (‘mukthi’ / ‘moksha’) end up only in despair. No lasting solution is found. Gospel provides the answer for man’s hunt for a way out from sin and its consequences. Romans. 3:23—28; 8:1.

viii. It brings peace. Ephesians. 6:15; Colossians. 1:20. Romasn.5:1. No peace for the wicked. Man’s effort to bring about peace with out God is futile. Gospel brings peace between man and God and man and man. Gospel of Jesus Christ is the message of peace and reconciliation.
Even the environment will enjoy this peace and harmony in a later day as purposed in this good tiding. Cf. Romans 8: 18—23.

ix. It leads to glory. 1Timothy. 1:11; Hebrews. 2:10. Man who lost glory in the Garden of Eden gets it back through the gospel of Christ! Romans. 3:23; John.17:22. Today a believer in the gospel is changed in heart from glory to glory in to the image of Christ but in future we shall be conformed to His glory. Philippians. 3:21; 2Corinthians.4:4. Romans.8:29, 30.

x. It is an everlasting gospel. Revelation 14:6, 7. The relevance, implications and effectiveness does not die down as times go by.

xi. It will be the basis for future judgment. Romans 2:16 Paul warns the readers that the message he preached has not only the power to change them, the standard the God will use to judge them in future. Cf. 2Thessalonians 1:7 – Judgment is upon those who disobeyed the gospel.

xii. It must be preached. Romans 1:16; 15:16; 1Corinthians 9:16. Considering the amazing power of the gospel, and experiencing it in own life, what should be our response, not only to believe and benefit, but make it known.

          Paul and the apostles considered themselves as bond slaves of Christ to preach the gospel to all who have never heard the gospel. And they were never ashamed of the gospel of Christ.

Conclusion:-

          Yes, is there any message like this? Message of comfort, peace and joy; truth that can change heart, reconcile man, and bring harmony; words that can enlighten, empower and encourage us, there is nothing else but the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Dear friend, read it again and see what else you want? There's no other ‘Gospel’ as the message of Jesus Christ. How blessed is it to believe and obey this good news, that results in salvation, peace and happiness.

If you have already benefited from this wonderful gospel, are you zealous to communicate it. Let us make it known to our generation, if not we who will do it.

NTK

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