Looking to find "the Gospel" in the Scripture? The following may help:
A. Look at the Word “Gospel”
1. The
euangellion of the Greek world was “a
technical term for ‘news of victory’. The messenger appears, raises his right
hand in greeting and calls out with a loud voice: “Caire… nikwmen”. By his appearance it is
already known that he brings good news. His face shines, his spear is decked
with laurel, his head is crowned, he swings a branch of palms, joy fills the
city.”
2. Noun:
used 73x in the Greek NT (cf. Gal. 1:7); in every instance the meaning refers
to the finished work of Christ in redemption.
3. Verb:
used 54x in the Greek NT (cf. Gal. 1:8); always in the sense of bringing or
proclaiming good news
B. Look in a Verse ("Nutshell" Form)
1. In
a chapter: 1 Cor. 15
2. In
a verse: in similar fashion to Gal. 1:4-5, it is in “nutshell” form throughout
both the Old and New Testaments:
a) Isa.
53: 5: He was pierced for our
transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought
us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
b) 1
John 4: 10: This is love: not that we
loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for
our sins.
C.
Look in a Book (like Romans)
1. As
a whole: Paul’s presentation of a systematic theology of the Gospel.
2. Divisions:
chapters 1-5 gospel salvation; 6-8 gospel sanctification; 9-11
gospel-implications for Jews and Greeks; 12-16 gospel-reality in community and
in the world
D. Look in All of Scripture!
1. The
Heart of the Bible: Dave Harvey: “The Gospel is the heart of the Bible.
Everything in Scripture is either preparation for the Gospel, presentation of
the Gospel, or participation in the Gospel.”
2. The
Purpose of Scripture: Mike Bullmore: “While Scripture itself is not the gospel,
all Scripture is related to the gospel, and the gospel is Scripture’s reason
for being. The gospel is the Bible’s main and unifying message.” (see Rom. 15:4;
cp. 1 Pet. 1:10-12; Gal. 3:21-26)
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