The Gospel
A study of the good news of God's coming Kingdom, the restoration of His government on earth, salvation through Jesus Christ, and the Church's commission to proclaim that message to all nations.
The gospel is the message preached by Christ and by His Church about God’s coming Kingdom, the restoration of His government on earth, and how mankind can enter that Kingdom and government. It includes the message of what Jesus has done, is doing and shall do and ultimately is the message of the entire Old and New Testaments. The primary purpose and commission of the Church is to proclaim this gospel in all the world as a witness to all nations, and to baptize and teach those who respond.
The Good News of God's Coming Kingdom
The word “gospel” means “good news.” Jesus Christ came preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God—the good news that He will return to establish God's government on earth and the good news of how human beings may become part of that Kingdom as sons of God.
In its broadest sense, the gospel includes the entire biblical story: what God is doing with mankind, His plan of salvation, forgiveness of sins and the ultimate destiny He has prepared for humanity.
The gospel is a message of hope to a world unable to successfully govern itself. Christ's return is central to that message because He will replace human government with the Kingdom of God.
Jesus came not only to make salvation possible but also to bear witness to the truth concerning God's coming government. When Pilate questioned Him about kingship, Christ connected His birth and mission with bearing witness to truth.
The disciples understood that Christ would establish a literal Kingdom. Their questions concerning its timing show that they were expecting God's government to replace the present age. Jesus explained that before the end, the gospel of the Kingdom would first be preached throughout the world as a witness.
Salvation through Jesus Christ is an integral part of the gospel. Christ died for mankind's sins and was resurrected. He is presented as the pioneer of salvation—the One who has gone ahead and shown the way.
The lesson explains that prior to Christ's return, salvation is offered to a relative minority. At His return, those who died in Christ will be raised to eternal life and rule with Him, while the opportunity for salvation will ultimately be made available to all.
Humanity's true destiny is to become members of God's family. This potential applies to men and women, Jews and Gentiles and people of every race and nation.
The gospel was not unknown in the Old Testament. The patriarchs and prophets understood aspects of God's coming Kingdom and looked forward to promises they had not yet received. Hebrews describes them as strangers and pilgrims seeking a better country.
Prophecies such as Isaiah 9 describe a coming ruler whose government and peace will have no end. The gospel message can therefore be traced from the patriarchs and prophets, through John the Baptist, to Jesus Christ and the apostolic Church.
Christ commissioned His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptize those who respond and teach them to observe His commands. The Church of God understands this commission as the primary reason for its continuing work: to announce the gospel of the Kingdom and prepare the way for Christ's return.
What the Gospel Includes
The Kingdom of God Is Coming
Christ will return to establish God's government on earth and replace mankind's unsuccessful systems of rule.
How Mankind May Enter It
The gospel includes repentance, forgiveness, Christ's sacrifice and the opportunity to become members of God's family.
The King and Pioneer of Salvation
Jesus is both the coming ruler of God's Kingdom and the One who made salvation possible through His death and resurrection.
A Universal Opportunity
The potential of becoming God's children applies to all peoples, nations and races.
Announced From Ancient Times
Patriarchs and prophets looked forward to God's Kingdom and eternal promises long before the New Testament era.
Preach, Baptize and Teach
Christ commissioned His Church to proclaim the gospel to all nations, baptize those who respond and teach His commands.
One Message Across the Biblical Story
Lesson Six traces the same gospel message through different stages of biblical history—from early promises to the continuing commission of the Church.
Men of faith looked beyond this temporary life toward the promises and a better country prepared by God.
The prophets described the future reign of God's government, including a Kingdom whose peace and increase will have no end.
John prepared the way for Christ and announced the approach of God's Kingdom.
Christ preached the gospel of the Kingdom, explained how to enter it and made salvation possible through His sacrifice.
Christ's disciples carried the gospel outward and taught repentance, faith, baptism and God's coming Kingdom.
The Church continues the commission to announce the gospel as a witness and to teach those who respond.
Read These Scriptures in Your Own Bible
Questions
All 18 review questions are displayed in full. Complete them before opening the answer key below.
The gospel message is about:
- a) God’s coming Kingdom.
- b) The restoration of God’s government on earth.
- c) How man can enter the Kingdom of God.
- d) All of the above.
The word “gospel” means simply ____ ____ [what?]
Will the present worldly systems of government/religions continue forever? Yes or No?
In the broadest sense, the gospel includes the whole story of the Bible. True or False?
The reason for Christ’s return is the establishment of His Father’s _______ on _____? [what?]
Who will rule this Kingdom of God on the Earth?
The disciples had no idea about Jesus setting up a kingdom. True or False?
In the plan of Salvation, how many have been saved so far?
- a) countless millions.
- b) all those of the New Testament church.
- c) just one, Jesus Christ.
Prior to the return of Christ, salvation will have been offered only to a relative few. True or False?
The true destiny of man is to ________________ [what?]
It is a myth to believe that all of mankind gets an opportunity at Salvation. True or False?
The Old Testament patriarchs and prophets understood nothing of the gospel. True or False?
The gospel has been preached since ____________________ [when?]
Who confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth waiting for God’s Kingdom?
- a) The Old Testament patriarchs and prophets.
- b) David and Solomon.
- c) The Disciples.
What verse begins, “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end…”?
- a) Matthew 24:18
- b) Zechariah 14:28
- c) Isaiah 9:7
- d) Daniel 2:7
The Gospel also includes the totality of the message of how all mankind shall enter into God’s Family into God’s Kingdom. What verses state that all people, all races, and all nations are eligible?
- a) Galatians 3:26-29
- b) Ephesians 3:26-29
- c) Philippians 3:26-29
- d) Colossians 3:26-29
