What is the Gospel?

Many people, even those who don’t claim to be a Christian, have at least a basic understanding of the gospel. If, upon reading the question, you said, “The gospel is the good news that Jesus came to die and save us from our sins,” you’re right. The gospel of Jesus is indeed that.

But, that’s not all it is.

The gospel is God’s good news that He is restoring everything He made, not just humanity, but all of creation. We read in Romans 8 that

the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:22–23)

Because of sin, everything was messed up—humans, animals, the world, everything. This is such an important concept when we think about the issues of today that it will be often repeated. The gospel of Jesus, then, is not just about saving our souls and fitting us for heaven; it is about restoring the Kingdom here on earth.

From this abbreviated definition of the gospel, we can say a few things:

• The gospel is not a political, social, cultural, or economic system. Indeed, the gospel of Jesus stands above and critiques all of these.

• Not only is the gospel not a political, social, cultural, or economic system, but also the gospel does not fit neatly into any one such system. The gospel of Jesus has as much to say about democracy as it does about socialism, communism, and every other system. No human system is perfect, as all were created by fallen humans.

• The fundamental restoration that takes place within the gospel is the restoration of the image of God in humanity that has been broken and marred by sin (but not entirely lost). The gospel at the same restores the image of God within us, while at the same time exhorting us to treat every human as image-bearers.

• Because the gospel is about seeing the Kingdom of God restored here on earth, wherever possible, should support policies that promote those goals.

• Because the church embodies God’s presence on the earth, the church has a prophetic ministry, to speak into the culture with God’s truth.

We will see these applications come up time and time again as we examine the issues around us. Out purpose here is not to suggest political solutions or draft political policies. Rather, the purpose of TGL is to question and to inform. More questions will likely be asked than answers given.

The hope, however, is that you discover the Hope that is in the midst of the changes and challenges of the world. Jesus is the Hope of the world—and the Hope for you and I.