What is the Gospel?

When many believers reflect on the gospel, their thoughts often turn to the foundational truth that Jesus died for our sins, granting us forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. While this concept is undeniably crucial, it can sometimes reduce the gospel to a narrow perspective that misses its richer, more expansive narrative.

At its heart, the gospel is about the return of God to Zion, the restoration of His presence within creation, and the establishment of His kingdom. This narrative not only encompasses personal salvation but also highlights the overarching story of redemption, culminating in the renewal of all creation.

If you are familiar with the story of the Bible, you will see that God created human beings to live in proximity to Himself. We see that in the Garden of Eden, the pillar in the wilderness, the Tent of Meeting, and in finally in the Temple. In Solomon's Temple, the Glory of God dwelt in the Holy of Holies, and was the symbolic place from where God ruled over Israel. Due to sin and rebellion, Israel was exiled from the land and the Temple of God was destroyed. In Ezekiel 10, we read that the glory of God departed from the Temple before it was destroyed, signaling the departure of God from His people. It was God's presence that set Israel apart from the nations, yet now this was no longer the case (Exodus 33:12-16)

Then the glory of the Lord went out from the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim Ezekiel 10:18

Thankfully this was not the end of the story. The prophets foretold of a time when the Presence of God would return back to Zion and where God sets up an eternal kingdom. This time would see the restoration and healing of creation. These prophecies spoke of heralds who would proclaim good news (or gospel) to Israel. This return of God to Zion was not only significant for Israel, but also had implications for all of the nations.

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.” The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the LORD to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you waste places of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Isaiah 52:7-10

The Gospel of Mark begins with the words, "The beginning of the Good News about Jesus the Messiah". Immediately the reader should recall the words of the prophet Isaiah and the meaning of this good news. For the first the first time in centuries, the presence of God returned to His people, announcing the establishment of a new kingdom.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15

Jesus begins his public ministry by proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom of God to the cities of Judah. Through the working of miracles, powerful sermons, the demonstration of power over nature, and the conquering of the kingdom of darkness, Jesus makes it clear that He himself is the return of the Presence of God to Israel and ultimately the nations. He is the Word made flesh who tabernacled amongst men, just as God did in the days of old. Jesus spoke about a kingdom that could not be inherited by human means, but rather the spirit. In order for one to be able to enter into this kingdom, sin and death had to be addressed. For this reason He submitted to the cross, becoming the Eternal Passover Lamb not just for Israel, but for every nation, tribe, and tongue. The Father rose him to life on the third day, forever placing death in dominion to himself. He then sent His followers to proclaim the impending coming of His Kingdom, where He and the Father would dwell with humanity forever.

When we view the gospel through this biblical lens, we see that individual and personal salvation are only a two-dimensional view. This should excite us! While we love that the Lord has saved and redeemed us, we have even greater joy that this salvation encompasses all of creation. God is not doing away with this world and leading us to a bodiless existence in Heaven. He is coming to restore creation and make His home among humanity forever.

And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one Zechariah 14:10

We live in an age characterized by the tension of the comings of the Messiah. While we await His return to establish the fullness of the kingdom of God , we who believe live both in this age and in the age to come. Jesus invites us to recognize that the kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope. As followers of Christ, we are called to be active participants in this kingdom—a kingdom characterized by love, mercy, and justice. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus tells His disciples, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” This calling challenges us to embody the values of the kingdom in our daily lives, shining brightly in a world that often feels darkened by despair.

So what is the gospel? What is this good news that all of humanity needs to hear?

God Has Come, God is coming again, and His Kingdom will endure forever. He will make all the wrong things right, restore creation, and dwell with humanity for eternity. Come and inherit this kingdom by through Jesus.