What the Gospel Does
This message explores the fundamental distinction between what the gospel is (the story of Jesus) and what effects it produces. Understanding what something is must precede understanding what it can do, applying this principle to show how the gospel story forms the foundation for its transformative effects. The message culminates by revealing the kingdom of God as the central hub through which all gospel effects flow, illuminating how the gospel narrative is more comprehensive and interconnected than many Christians initially realize.
Synopsis:
Understanding the Word "Gospel"
The etymology of the word "gospel" provides profound insight into its meaning. In English, it derives from two words: "good" and "spell," with "spell" originally meaning "story." Importantly, in ancient usage, the concept of "good" was inextricably linked to God - something couldn't be considered truly good unless it came from God. Thus, "gospel" literally means "God's story."
In Greek, the word "euangelion" translates as both "gospel" and "good news." Within this word, we can recognize "angel," meaning messenger. In military contexts, the euangelion described a runner's message announcing victory to the king, making the messenger an evangelist (euangelisto).
The Story as Foundation
Jesus demonstrated the primacy of story when discussing his approaching death. As recorded in Matthew 26:12-13: "By pouring this perfume on my body, she has prepared me for my burial. Truly, I tell you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her." Here, Jesus connects the gospel directly to the story of his death and the events surrounding it.
Understanding the distinction between story and effects is crucial. Just as a car's substance determines its function, the gospel story shapes its impact. For instance, while Jesus' death enables the forgiveness of sins, the death itself is the story, while forgiveness is its effect. Similarly, Jesus' glorification forms the foundation for believers' future glorification.
The Comprehensive Nature of Scripture
The entire Bible can be understood as Jesus' story. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) primarily record events rather than analysis. Even Jesus himself demonstrated this comprehensive view. On the road to Emmaus, Luke 24:27 records: "Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the scriptures."
Paul affirms this understanding in Colossians 1:15-16: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, for everything was created by him in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities, all things have been created through him and for him." This passage reveals Jesus' presence throughout the entire biblical narrative.
Early Church Understanding
The early church emphasized story over theological analysis. The primitive creed recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 presents a sequence of events: Christ's death for sins, burial, resurrection, and appearances to various witnesses. The Apostles' Creed similarly focuses on historical events rather than doctrinal interpretation.
Polycarp, in his letter to the Philippians, emphasized believing the actual events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. He warned that denying these historical realities aligned one with the antichrist and Satan, showing how crucial the story itself was to early Christian faith.
The Complete Gospel Narrative
Through careful examination of New Testament creeds and early church writings, we can outline the complete gospel story:
Jesus created all things for himself
Humans sinned, showing disloyalty to their creator
Jesus left heaven's throne, becoming human through virgin birth
He proved his rightful kingship through sinless life and miracles
His experiences included baptism, transfiguration, and temple cleansing
His people rejected him, leading to crucifixion and death
After burial and descent to Hades, he rose with a glorified body
He appeared to many witnesses, ascended to heaven, and sat at God's right hand
He sent the Holy Spirit and will return to judge all people
The righteous will enter God's eternal kingdom while the wicked face darkness
The Kingdom as Central Hub
Just as a car's hub connects its engine power to its wheels, the kingdom of God serves as the central connection point for all gospel effects. Jesus himself emphasized this in Luke 4:43-44: "It is necessary for me to proclaim the good news about the kingdom of God to the other towns also because I was sent for this purpose."
The Apostle Paul shared this understanding, as shown in Acts 20:24-25: "My purpose is to finish my course in the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of God's grace... among whom I went about preaching the kingdom."
From this kingdom hub flow five major effects: victory, family, forgiveness, freedom, and transformation. While these aren't the only effects, they represent major themes in scripture, all flowing from the central reality of God's kingdom established through Jesus' story.
Understanding the gospel's full scope might seem overwhelming, especially when considering how to share it with others. However, this comprehensive understanding actually enables simpler, more effective communication. When we grasp the fullness of the gospel story, we can better present its simplicity to others, making evangelism more natural and compelling.
The gospel proves larger than initial understanding might suggest, but this expanded view enhances rather than complicates our ability to share it. By recognizing the kingdom of God as the central hub and understanding how the story precedes and explains the effects, we can more effectively communicate this transformative message to others.
