Q. 28. What is the gospel?

The gospel is the good news that God loves the world and sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sin and reign as Lord over all things.

Through his incarnate life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and coming judgment, Christ serves as our Savior and Mediator, Prophet, Priest, and King.

Isaiah 52:7; Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10; John 3:16; 14:6; 20:31; Acts 4:12; Romans 1:16; 14:9; 1 Corinthians 15:1–5; Philippians 2:5–11; Galatians 1:6–9; 1 Timothy 1:15; 2:5; 3:16.

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Gospel. The word “gospel” means “good news” or “glad tidings.” The word “evangelical” is derived from the Greek word for “gospel” (euangelion). “The true treasure of the Church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God” (Martin Luther, 95 Theses 62). “All who give equal or greater honor to any other teaching beside the gospel make a mistake and show that they do not know what the gospel is” (Ulrich Zwingli, 67 Articles 5).

Jesus … save us. The name “Jesus” was given to the Son of God when he became incarnate for our salvation (see Q. 30). “Jesus” means “the Lord is salvation.”

Christ … Prophet, Priest, and King. “Christ” or “Messiah” is a title which means “anointed one.” In the Old Testament, three offices required ceremonial anointing with oil: prophet, priest, and king. Jesus is anointed by the Holy Spirit to be the true and ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King. As Prophet, Christ reveals the Father and teaches about the kingdom. As Priest, Christ offers himself as an atoning sacrifice and intercedes on our behalf. As King, Christ defeats the devil and reigns over all creation.

Reign as Lord. The gospel is commonly called the “gospel of the kingdom” (Matthew 24:14), drawing from Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’” God’s heavenly kingdom or saving reign begins to arrive in the Lord Jesus Christ, conquering sin, death, and Satan (see Q. 61). “The kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matthew 12:28).

Mediator. A mediator is one who stands between two parties to bring about reconciliation. Since Jesus is truly God and truly man (Q. 30), he is able to reconcile God and man. “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

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