The theme of all the New Testament is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Practically every page provides information on the topic. In its simplest terms, the gospel of Jesus is the “good news” concerning Him. In a day when there is so little good news, it is important to spread the good news of Jesus.
The gospel message is that although man is a sinner, deserving of death, God loved mankind enough to provide salvation. Paul warned that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and “the wages of sin is death” (6:23). Com fort comes, however, in knowing that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (6:23). Christians are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (3:24). The amazing grace of God is truly good news.
At the gospel’s heart is Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. As Peter preached the first gospel sermon on Pentecost, he spoke of “Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst” (Acts 2:22). Although He was put to death, death could not hold Him: “This Jesus God has raised up” (Acts 2:32). “There fore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). The people were pricked in their heart, and said, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Peter told them how to accept the good news: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The gospel is for “all who are afar off” (Acts 2:39). The church would include the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
Faith moved many to obey: “Those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41). The church grew rapidly as many were added to the church (Acts 2:47).
Christ commands: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen” (Matthew 28:19–20).
