Reliable And True

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had ceased to exist, and the sea existed no more. And I saw the holy city – the new Jerusalem – descending out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Look! The residence of God is among human beings. He will live among them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more – or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.” And the one seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new!” Then He said to me, “Write it down, because these words are reliable and true.”  Revelation 21:1-5 NET

With those basic understandings of the beginning and ending of the story of God and the story of us, now we’re ready to answer the question: What is the Gospel? 

Mark 1:14-15 NET Now after John was imprisoned, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God. He said, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the gospel!”

The Gospel is the good news that through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has once again become King—and His Kingdom is coming on Earth as it is in Heaven. 

Jesus’ death and resurrection wasn’t just a “get out of jail free” card. Jesus’ death and resurrection was an invitation to be rescued from sin and restored to our purpose as God’s chosen people.

And The Gospel is not just a ticket to Heaven. The Gospel is the good news that God’s plan to put the world right has finally been launched through Jesus Christ, the risen Saviour. The Gospel is the good news that death and decay do not have the final say. 

Because on the other side of crucifixion and death, we find resurrection and life. God has become king. We are invited to be a part of His Kingdom.

Hallelujah! This is truly good news!