The Gospel of Jesus Christ: Its Meaning, Implications, and Modern Understanding -- By: Anonymous

Journal: Southeastern Theological Review
Volume: STR 03:2 (Winter 2012)
Article: The Gospel of Jesus Christ: Its Meaning, Implications, and Modern Understanding
Author: Anonymous


The Gospel of Jesus Christ: Its Meaning, Implications, and Modern Understanding

STR Editor

Introduction

Advent marks the time in the Christian calendar where the Church celebrates the coming of Christ. We prepare our hearts and minds for the reality of the incarnation of Jesus in his world: “the Word became flesh and dwelled among us,” says the beloved disciple (John 1:14). The Gospel of Matthew announces Jesus’ coming and unveils the meaning of this event: Jesus is the king who will be the Savior of the world. He will be called “Immanuel,” which is translated “God is with us” (Matt. 1:23). The Gospel of Luke presents the announcement, which is given to Mary rather than Joseph, and reveals that the Christ is in the royal line of King David; he will have a kingdom that will never end (Luke 1:33). It is no wonder that Jesus comes preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. The King has come! The messiah has made his entrance into the world to begin the redemptive work that God has anointed and appointed him to do (Luke 4:16–21). In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus’ preaching ministry begins with the paradigmatic proclamation of the gospel: Jesus came “proclaiming the good news [gospel] of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news’!” (Mark 1:14–15).

Those who hear the gospel message are called to respond in repentance and belief. Repentance is necessary because as one hears the good news of the kingdom, one begins to recognize that his or her own personal “kingdom” is an empty phantom. One must turn away from one’s own kingdom and turn towards the reign and rule of the living God. And belief is essential, as the gospel of the kingdom has a particular shape: one submits to the vision of God and his reign and rule as disclosed in the Old Testament story. One submits to what God is doing redemptively in and through Israel and climactically in the true Davidic King: Jesus the Messiah. Advent opens our eyes to the beauty of God’s gospel.

Yet the gospel of Jesus Christ remains, unfortunately, unclear within the Church. It is a “trade-term” amongst Christians today. One sees “gospel-centered” churches, “gospel-choirs,” “gospel-tabernacles,” “gospel-driven” lives, and even a “gospel coalition.” “Gospel” is thrown about like a mantra or held onto tightly like a totem. The term peppers sermons and speakers invoke it, often without explanation, as a way of activating the Church into action. The “gospel” can ...

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