Tere hommikust messenger of good news! Tere päevast worker of CHRIST! " The LORD speaks a word, And messengers of good tidings are a great army." (Psalms 68:12) May GOD inscribe his will in your heart and put his thoughts in your mouth. Whether you sing, speak, interpret, write, translate, mime or draw, deliver the message. He will deliver souls from death, eyes from tears and feet from falling (Psalms 116:8). Withdraw from pointless debates and concentrate on what edifies (1 Corinthians 10:23, Romans 14:19).
1. The good news: Salvation through JESUS CHRIST and the Kingdom of the HOLY SPIRIT
2. Bonus
3. Words and Phrases in the Bible
4. Words and Phrases: Examples from Jesus and the Apostle Paul
5. Why Jesus talked more about the Kingdom than Salvation
❖ (Acts 8:12, NIV): " But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of GOD and the name of JESUS CHRIST, they were baptized, both men and women."
❖ (Romans 14:17-18, NIV) : " For the kingdom of GOD is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the HOLY SPIRIT, because anyone who serves CHRIST in this way is pleasing to GOD and receives human approval."
❖ (Romans 1:16-17, NIV) : " For I am not ashamed of the gospel [of CHRIST], because it is the power of GOD that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of GOD is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
❖ (Tite 2:11-14, NIV) : " 11 For the grace of GOD has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great GOD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."
❖ (Tite 3:3-7, NKJV): " 3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of GOD our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through JESUS CHRIST our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
❖ (Romains 5:10, NKJV): " For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to GOD through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. "
❖ (Romains 5: 21, NKJV): " So that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD."
❖ (Luc 4: 43, NIV): But he said, “I [JESUS] must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of GOD to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”
❖ (Marc 16:15-16, NIV) : " He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
❖ (Matthiew 28: 18-20, NIV) : " Then JESUS came to them and said, “All authority [exoucia, Strong #1849, Greek] in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
1. The good news: Salvation through JESUS CHRIST and the Kingdom through the HOLY SPIRIT
The good news is salvation through JESUS CHRIST and the coming of the Kingdom of GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT. In the Bible, the Hebrew word for salvation is "Yasha" (Strong's No. 3467). In Greek, the word is "soteria" (Strong's No. 4991). Salvation is, on the one hand, deliverance from the condemnation of death (the devil's nature) and the dominion of sin. On the other hand, it is the restoration of fellowship with GOD and the provision of the ability to fulfill one's destiny, or the mandate given to man by GOD at the beginning: to bring about GOD's reign on earth through the assistance of the HOLY SPIRIT.
To be saved is:
Being born again by believing in the work and person of JESUS. This is the first phase of Salvation, also called spiritual rebirth or justification. In everyday language, when we speak of Salvation, we most often mean the new birth.
The second phase is the transformation or restoration of the soul (not to be confused with healing of the soul) or the renewal of the mind. In this phase, character, thoughts, feelings, wisdom, and works gradually become like those of CHRIST. We are led by the HOLY SPIRIT, freed from worldly mentality and demonic influences, we walk in fellowship and obedience, we overcome trials and persecutions, we receive our inheritance in CHRIST and exercise the authority of CHRIST. In this phase we follow JESUS (Matthew 16:24).
The third stage is glorification. Entering eternity
🙂We are born in CHRIST. -> We grow in CHRIST (the Kingdom in us). -> We walk in CHRIST (fulfill our destiny) or work for the Kingdom and its interests through the help of the HOLY SPIRIT (ambassadors). -> We will join CHRIST.
Salvation comes in three stages.
The past (Ephesians 2:8, 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 19:30, 1 Corinthians 6:11). The spirit is saved from the condemnation of death or sin.
The present (John 17:17, 2 Peter 1:5-9, 1 Corinthians 1:18, John 14:26, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:11-12, Philippians 2:12, Romans 5:10, Romans 3:24). The soul is being restored or saved from the power of sin. We work out our salvation by collaborating with the HOLY SPIRIT. He enables us to walk in CHRIST, but he will not walk in our place.
The Future (Romans 8:18, Romans 8:23, Matthew 10:22, 1 Corinthians 15:51-53, 1 John 2:28, Ephesians 4:30, 2 Timothy 4:8, Revelation 21:4, 1 Peter 1:3-5, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Romans 5:2, John 14:2). The body will be saved from death, from the presence of sin, and we will be glorified. 🙂 We will receive heavenly rewards (Matthew 5:12, Luke 6:23, 1 Corinthians 3:14).
Let's read a few verses
❖ (Genesis 2: 15-17, NIV): The LORD GOD took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD GOD commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”
❖ (Ephesians 2:1-10, NIV) : " 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, GOD, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with CHRIST even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And GOD raised us up with CHRIST and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in CHRIST JESUS, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in CHRIST JESUS. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of GOD— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are GOD’s handiwork, created in CHRIST JESUS to do good works, which GOD prepared in advance for us to do.
❖ (Ephesians 4:30, NIV): "And do not grieve the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
2. Bonus
Reminder (from the article Baptism in CHRIST)
Salvation in JESUS CHRIST testifies to the fulfillment of GOD's justice and love through mercy and grace (1 Corinthians 15:3, John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:14). We speak of mercy when GOD spares us the punishment or judgment we deserve for our sins (James 2:12-13, Psalm 51:3-5, Titus 3:5). We speak of grace when GOD blesses us without merit.
By dying for us, more specifically by bearing our sins or substituting Himself for us, JESUS fulfilled GOD's righteousness (Romans 3:23-26, Romans 6:23, Genesis 2:17, Ezekiel 18:4, Ezekiel 18:20). GOD fulfilled His justice by giving Himself in our place and showing mercy (Ephesians 2:5-6, Philippians 2:6-9). On the one hand, grace makes us children of GOD and joint heirs with CHRIST (Romans 8:17, Ephesians 1:11). On the other hand, grace enables us to resist sin and walk in newness of life.
Indeed, GOD gave Himself for us because JESUS is GOD. On the one hand, we receive the life of CHRIST, and on the other hand, we receive the ability of CHRIST through the HOLY SPIRIT (life through CHRIST) to preserve and manifest the life of CHRIST. To receive the life of CHRIST, you only have to believe. To receive the ability of CHRIST, you must be in fellowship and obey. It is not possible to obey without being in communion.
It is the HOLY SPIRIT that gives us the ability of CHRIST. It enables us to overcome trials, persecutions, and temptations and do what CHRIST does. Mind you, this doesn't mean that we have nothing to do, or that we can abuse grace. We must grow in CHRIST to fully walk in CHRIST, receive our inheritance, and do the works of CHRIST (Galatians 4:1-7, Colossians 1:9, 3 John 1:2, Joshua 1:8, Luke 2:52, James 1:5-6).
In CHRIST's capacity, there is fellowship, renewal of the mind (through knowledge and understanding of the truth), healing of the soul, endurance, authority, and power. Those who believe receive his life (Ephesians 2:8). Those who retain his life and progressively receive his ability: grow in their faith, abide in his teachings, take him as their model, and cling to him. 🙂 The HOLY SPIRIT is also called the Spirit of GOD, the Spirit of the LORD, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth the HOLY SPIRIT, the SPIRIT of CHRIST, the SPIRIT of JESUS, the SPIRIT of Grace (Genesis 1:2, John 16:13, Romans 8:9, Hebrews 10:29).
In CHRIST there is fellowship, renewal of the mind (through knowledge and understanding of the truth), healing of the soul, endurance, authority, and power. Those who believe receive His life (Ephesians 2:8). Those who keep His life and progressively receive His ability: grow in their faith, abide in His teachings, take Him as their model, and cling to him. The HOLY SPIRIT is also called the Spirit of GOD, the Spirit of the Lord, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the HOLY SPIRIT, the SPIRIT of CHRIST, the SPIRIT of JESUS, the SPIRIT of Grace (Genesis 1:2, John 16:13, Romans 8:9, Hebrews 10:29).
3. Words and phrases in the Bible
The French word « Évangile » translated as gospel in English, comes from the Greek « euaggelion » (Strong's No. 2098), which means good news. The English word gospel comes from the Anglo-Saxon (Old English) word « gospell », meaning "good news, good advice, good story."
There are several expressions for good news in the Bible. These include:
The good news (Isaiah 40:9, Luke 4:18, Acts 14:7, Mark 13:10, Luke 3:18, Acts 13:32, Mark 16:15, Romans 10:16, Acts 16:10, Galatians 3:8, Matthew 11:5, Mark 1:15, Mark 14:9, Matthew 26:13, Luke 20:1, Luke 7:22, Mark 8:35, Mark 10: 29, Hebrews 4:2).
The Gospel (Romans 1:15-16, 1 Corinthians 9:16, 1 Peter 25, Ephesians 6:15, Galatians 4:13, Philippians 1:5).
The Gospel of GOD (Romans 1:1, Mark 1:14, 1 Thessalonians 2:2, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, 2 Corinthians 11:7).
The good news of the kingdom of GOD or the good news of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 9:35, Matthew 24:14, Luke 4:43, Luke 8:1, Acts 8:12).
The good news of GOD's grace (Acts 20:24).
The Gospel of our Salvation (Ephesians 1:13).
The Gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). JESUS is our Peace (Ephesians 2:14).
The good news of JESUS or the good news of the LORD JESUS (Acts 8:35, Acts 5:42, Acts 11:20).
The Gospel of CHRIST or of the SON of GOD (Galatians 1:6-7, Romans 1:9, Galatians 1:7, 2 Corinthians 2:12, Mark 1:1, 1 Thessalonians 3:2).
The word of truth (Ephesians 1:13). In this verse, Word is the word Logos [Strong's No. 3056, Greek] and the word truth is Aletheia [Strong's No. 225, Greek].
The good news of the Word of the LORD (Acts 15:35).
The Gospel of the glory of CHRIST (2 Corinthians 4:4).
The testimony of GOD (1 Corinthians 2:1).
I don't know if this is the case in all languages. In French, we write:
gospel (with a lower-case initial) to designate books or literary works; such as "The gospel of Matthew” or the "Synoptic gospels."
Gospel (with a capital initial) to designate the good news, the teachings of JESUS CHRIST spoken by JESUS Himself, and the teachings of JESUS inspired by the HOLY SPIRIT. Examples: "Gospel according to Matthew", "Gospel of JESUS-CHRIST according to St. Mark", when the Apostle Paul says "my Gospel" (Romans 2:16, Romans 16:25, 2 Thessalonians 2:14), "The Gospel of GOD" (Romans 1:1), etc.
4. Words and expressions: example of JESUS and the Apostle Paul
🙂 Let's look for a moment at the Apostle Paul, who used each of the twelve expressions listed above. In fact, he uses four of them in the first chapter of his letter to the Romans. In verse 1, he speaks of the gospel of GOD. In verse nine, he says the gospel of his SON. In verse fifteen he says the Gospel, and in verse sixteen he says the Gospel of CHRIST. The main themes of Romans are salvation, faith, sinfulness, justification, and grace. There is no salvation apart from JESUS, who is CHRIST. Since the kingdom of GOD is not the main theme of this letter, it is not surprising that he doesn't use the expression good news of the kingdom.
In the same chapter, he presents himself as a servant of JESUS CHRIST (verse 1) and as a servant of GOD (verse 9). When the Apostle Paul was persecuting the Church, JESUS revealed to him that he JESUS is LORD and that in persecuting the Church, it was he whom the Apostle Paul was persecuting (Acts 9:3-6). Then, concerning him, JESUS said to Ananias "Go, for this man is an instrument I have chosen to make my name known to non-Jews, kings, and Israelites. I will show him all that he must suffer for my sake." (Acts 9:15-16, Segond 21). Later, to the Apostles and disciples "the HOLY SPIRIT said: "Set me apart Barnabas and Saul for the task to which I have called them." So, after fasting, praying, and laying their hands on them, they let them go." (Acts 13:2-3, verse 21). Who called the Apostle Paul and whose servant was he? GOD, JESUS, or the HOLY SPIRIT?
🙂 Parenthesis: JESUS told Ananias that Paul was praying and that he had seen in a vision that Ananias would lay hands on him to restore his sight (Acts 9:12). It's such a shame that today there are so many Christians who don't pray and just want hands laid on them. What's worse, they often do so without discernment, letting anyone lay hands on them.
There is not one Gospel for the FATHER, one Gospel for the SON, and one Gospel for the HOLY SPIRIT. JESUS said the good news as much as he said the good news of the Kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:44-49, John 21:15, John 20:21, Matthew 4:17, Luke 4:18-19, Mark 1:15, John 3:3). The different expressions are used to emphasize an aspect of the Gospel.
🙂 I trust you remember the article JESUS-CHRIST: eternal, angel of the LORD and GOD the LORD. If you haven't read this article, I urge you to do so.
There is only one GOD revealed in three persons: the FATHER, the SON, and the HOLY SPIRIT. The FATHER glorifies the SON, the SON glorifies the FATHER, and the HOLY SPIRIT glorifies the SON (John 17:1, Philippians 2:9-11, John 16:13-14). The SON is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:5, John 11:25). No one can come to the Father without going through Him, and he who has seen Him has seen the Father (John 14:6-7). Everything he does is for the glory of the Father. The FATHER has exalted His name above every name (Philippians 2:9-11, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16). The FATHER is in the SON, and the SON is in the FATHER (John 14:11, John 1:18, Isaiah 9:6). The HOLY SPIRIT is in the FATHER and in the SON (1 Corinthians 2:10-12, John 16:14, Romans 8:26-27). The HOLY SPIRIT is the LORD (2 Corinthians 3:17).
🙂 The HOLY SPIRIT is also called the Spirit of GOD, the Spirit of the LORD, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the HOLY SPIRIT, the SPIRIT of CHRIST, the SPIRIT of JESUS, the SPIRIT of Grace, the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD (Genesis 1:2, John 16:13, Romans 8:9, Hebrews 10:29, Ephesians 4:30).
5. Why Jesus talked more about the Kingdom than Salvation
During his three years of ministry, Jesus spoke more about the kingdom of God than about salvation. 🙂 You can check this out by doing a search on a Bible application. In my opinion, there are four reasons for this:
1/ one implies the other.
Only those who are born again can be of the kingdom (John 3:3-7). Only those who receive salvation in JESUS are born again (John 1:12-13, Romans 10:9, Acts 4:12, Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Peter 1:3).
2/ JESUS had not yet gone to the cross; He had not yet been resurrected.
(Luke 24:44-49, John 10:18, 1 Corinthians 2:8).
3/ GOD doesn't just want us to be saved. He wants us to become mature Christians, ambassadors of the Kingdom.
He wants us to have fellowship with Him, to grow in CHRIST, to have CHRIST's thoughts, to manifest CHRIST's character, and to do CHRIST's works. (Galatians 4:1-7, John 16:12).
He wants us to be fulfilled, healthy, able to rejoice at all times, resist temptation, overcome trials and persecutions, make disciples, cast out demons, heal the sick, do miracles with Him, bear good fruit, and so on.
JESUS asks us to teach others to do all that He has prescribed. He says what those who believe will do. If it were just a matter of proclaiming the good news, I think he would have been content to say "Proclaim, publish, teach". This means that the good news is not only to be known and understood. It must also be practiced and lived. In this way, we can bear witness that it is true.
** Tere hommikust = Good morning in Estonian
** Tere päevast = Good morning in Estonian