A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

32

A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I I : Mas ter i ng the New Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

2. The Gospel is the good news that God the Father promised to Israel regarding salvation and the Kingdom and which has been fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth. As such, his forgiveness, healing, and salvation is now available to all through faith (Matt. 11.2-5 reveals Jesus fulfilling the OT promise of Messiah [cf. Luke 4.16-21; Gal. 3.8; Rom. 1.2]).

3. Content of the Gospel message

a. In the Church, given by the apostles and carefully passed down through the generations, 1 Cor. 15.1-4

b. In the life and ministry of Jesus, the appeal to repent and believe because the Kingdom of God had drawn near with his appearance in the world, Mark 1.14-15

4. Nature of the Gospel message

a. Based upon and revealed by God the Father’s Spirit and power, not human strength and ability, Gal. 1.11-12

b. Rooted in the OT narrative and promise regarding the Kingdom of God and the Messiah he would send to establish it, Mark 1.14-15

c. Is connected to the power of God, to save, heal, and transform, 1 Thess. 1.5; Rom. 1.16-17

d. As followers of Christ, we are commissioned to declare it to the ends of the earth, bearing gladly all the stigma, persecution, and rejection associated with it, 1 Cor. 9.16 with 1 Thess. 2.2; 2 Tim. 1.8.