THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:16-17).

Devotion 2 of 27

THE GOSPEL DEFINED
The Value of Definition

The value of SCRIPTURAL definition is found in its contribution to our understanding, or perception. God places an emphasis on this kind of definition; i.e., one that HE HIMSELF provides. The Ten Commandments, for example, are defined as "the words of the covenant" (Ex 34:28). Jesus Christ is defined primarily as "the Son of God" (1 John 4:15). Faith is defined as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb 11:1) . . . etc. In all of these instances, the "definition" serves to clarify the subject within the context of God's "eternal purpose." Acquaintance with language is not the point, but participation in Divine objective. God's purpose is the light that makes His definitions relevant, or pertinent, to us.

The following lessons will define THE Gospel, not merely the word "gospel." The will of the Lord, in Christ Jesus, will shed light on the relevancy and indispensability of the Gospel of Christ.

GLAD TIDINGS

Never before has the world enjoyed such a wonderful message! The Gospel is "glad tidings." As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! [Good news, NRSV]" (Rom 10:15b). The Gospel is NOT a diagnosis of the human race! It is NOT a warning! It is NOT a message of gloom and doom!

God has, and continues, to diagnose, or judge, humanity through His Word. He DOES give solemn warnings to the sons of men. There is a word from the Lord concerning fiery indignation, the destruction of the wicked, and the lake of fire. The Gospel is not the only thing God has said, but it is "glad tidings," or "good news."

Enoch did not deliver glad tidings to his generation (Jude 14-15). Noah did not preach good news, but "condemned the world" by building an ark to "the saving of his house" (Heb 11:7). Even Moses, faithful in all of his stewardship, did not bring a gospel, but a law (John 1:17). Jonah brought no gospel to Nineveh, but one of impending destruction (Jonah 3:4). Many of the prophets were noted for the sounding of woes, not of good news (Num 21:29; Isa 3:9,11; Jer 23:1; Ezek 34:2; Hosea 9:12; Amos 6:1; Hab 2:9; Zeph 2:5; Zech 11:7).

When, therefore, we view the Gospel, we will behold it as preeminently "glad tidings of good things." It does not merely contain some good news, it IS good news! it is good because of WHAT it declares, and how it bears directly upon the human situation.

PRAYER POINT: Father, amidst all of the messages being sounded by men, I thank You through Jesus Christ for the good news of the Gospel that sounds above all other messages, bring hope to our fallen race.

-- TOMORROW: PRIOR TO JESUS --