Topical Encyclopedia The term "Gospel" is derived from the Old English "godspel," meaning "good news" or "glad tidings." In the Christian context, the Gospel refers to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Central to this message is the concept of grace, which is the unmerited favor of God bestowed upon humanity. The Gospel is often called "The Grace of God" because it encapsulates the divine initiative in the redemption of sinners, independent of human merit or works.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently emphasizes the Gospel as the grace of God. In Acts 20:24 , Paul speaks of his ministry, stating, "But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." Here, Paul explicitly links the Gospel to the grace of God, underscoring its foundational role in his mission. In Ephesians 2:8-9 , Paul further elaborates on this grace: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage highlights that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human effort, but granted through His grace. Theological Significance The grace of God as revealed in the Gospel is central to Christian theology. It signifies God's love and mercy towards humanity, despite human sinfulness. Romans 3:23-24 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." This underscores the universality of sin and the equally universal offer of grace through Jesus Christ. The grace of God is transformative, leading to a new life in Christ. Titus 2:11-12 declares, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age." Here, grace is not only the means of salvation but also the power for sanctification, enabling believers to live in a manner pleasing to God. Practical Implications Understanding the Gospel as the grace of God has profound implications for Christian living. It fosters humility, as believers recognize that their salvation is not a result of personal merit but a gift from God. This understanding also encourages a life of gratitude and service, as believers respond to God's grace with love and obedience. Moreover, the grace of God as presented in the Gospel offers assurance and hope. Romans 5:1-2 affirms, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." This passage reassures believers of their standing before God and the future glory that awaits them. Conclusion While the Gospel is multifaceted, its identification as the grace of God highlights the unearned and generous nature of God's love towards humanity. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God extends His grace to all, offering redemption and eternal life to those who believe. This grace is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, shaping the believer's relationship with God and guiding their conduct in the world. Nave's Topical Index Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Nave's Topical Index Library The Corruption of Man, his Conversion to God, and the Manner ... On the Vocation of Sinners to Communion with Christ, and to a ... On the Church of the New Testament, or under the Gospel The Canons of Dordt Christ as Righteousness; as the Demiurge, the Agent of the Good ... Exhortations to those who are Called The Word as a Means of Grace Shewing How a Principle of Grace is from the Spirit of God. " That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope Sanctified by God the Father. Resources What is the Gospel Coalition? | GotQuestions.orgIs handing out gospel tracts a good evangelism method? | GotQuestions.org What is the gospel? | GotQuestions.org Gospel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gospel According To the Hebrews Gospel: Called the New Covenant Gospel: Called: Doctrine According to Godliness Gospel: Called: Form of Sound Words Gospel: Called: Glorious Gospel of Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Jesus Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Peace Gospel: Called: Gospel of Salvation Gospel: Called: Gospel of the Kingdom Gospel: Called: Ministration of the Spirit Gospel: Called: Mystery of Christ Gospel: Called: Mystery of the Gospel Gospel: Called: Preaching of Jesus Christ Gospel: Called: The Dispensation of the Grace of God Gospel: Called: The Grace of God Gospel: Called: The Kingdom of God Gospel: Called: Word of Christ Gospel: Called: Word of Reconciliation Gospel: Called: Word of Salvation Gospel: Compared to a Householder Gospel: Compared to a Mustard Seed Gospel: Compared to a Pearl of Great Price Gospel: Compared to a Treasure Hidden in a Field Gospel: Compared to Leaven (Yeast) Gospel: Prophecies Relating To Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Gospel is Called the Dispensation of the Grace of God The Gospel is Called the Doctrine According to Godliness The Gospel is Called the Form of Sound Words The Gospel is Called the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Christ The Gospel is Called the Gospel of God The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Peace The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Salvation The Gospel is Called the Gospel of the Grace of God The Gospel is Called the Gospel of the Kingdom The Gospel is Called the Ministration of the Spirit The Gospel is Called the Mystery of the Gospel The Gospel is Called the Preaching of Jesus Christ The Gospel is Called the Word of Christ The Gospel is Called the Word of Faith The Gospel is Called the Word of God The Gospel is Called the Word of Grace The Gospel is Called the Word of Life The Gospel is Called the Word of Reconciliation The Gospel is Called the Word of Salvation The Gospel is Called the Word of Truth The Gospel is Good Tidings of Great Joy for all People The Gospel is Hid to Them That are Lost The Gospel is the Power of God to Salvation The Gospel: Awful Consequences of not Obeying The Gospel: Be Careful not to Hinder The Gospel: Exhibits the Grace of God The Gospel: Let Him Who Preached Another, be Accursed The Gospel: Life and Immortality are Brought to Light by Jesus Through The Gospel: Ministers Have a Stewardship to Preach The Gospel: Preached Beforehand to Abraham The Gospel: Preached by Christ The Gospel: Preached to Every Creature The Gospel: Preached to The Gentiles The Gospel: Preached to The Jews First The Gospel: Preached to The Poor The Gospel: Preached Under the Old Testament The Gospel: Profession of, Attended by Afflictions The Gospel: Promises to Sufferers The Gospel: Rejection of, by Many, Foretold The Gospel: Rejection of, by the Jews, a Means of Blessing to The The Gospel: Saints Have Fellowship In The Gospel: Testifies to the Final Judgment The Gospel: The Knowledge of the Glory of God is By The Gospel: There is Fulness of Blessing In The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Adhere to the Truth of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Earnestly Contend for the Faith of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Have Their Conversation Becoming The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Live in Subjection To The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should not be Ashamed of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Sacrifice Friends and Property For The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Sacrifice Life Itself For Related Terms |