The word “gospel” comes from the Greek word “euangelion” which literally means “good news” in our modern English language.  When we talk about the Gospel in Evangelical circles, we are referring to the good news about Jesus Christ.  Jesus is the central figure in the Christian Gospel.  The Christian Gospel carries with it the story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

What makes the life story of Jesus good news? 

The Gospel is good news because of the bad news that precedes it.  What is the bad news?  The bad news, for all mankind, is that we are all born sinners (Romans 3:23, 5:19), we are all born haters of God (2 Timothy 3:4).  This means that we are naturally wired to go against all that God is and all that God stands for.  Romans 8:7 describes our natural bent towards God as being “hostile” to God.  Our natural hostility and hatred towards God makes it impossible for us to ever submit to His laws, therefore it is impossible for us, as sinful men, to ever please a holy and righteous God.  If left in this state, all human beings are hopeless.  All are destined to taste the wrath of a just and holy God as the penalty for our sins (John 3:36, Isaiah 26:21, Matthew 10:28). 

But God, in His great mercy and His abundant grace, sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to absorb the wrath that was reserved for us (John 3:16, John 14:6, Acts 4:12).  Jesus exchanged His life for yours and for mine. He was the One who died the death that was meant for us (1 Peter 3:18, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 6:23).  And through His resurrection, He also rescued those of us who believe and call upon His name to be called children of God (1 Peter 1:3, Romans 8:11, Romans 10:9, Acts 17:31).

Jesus is the reason why the Gospel is such great news! 

He is the reason why Glencairn Baptist church exists today.  Our mission as a church is to make the news of the Gospel known to everyone, and that includes you!  We want you to know and to experience the love of God that was on full display on the cross of Jesus Christ through the understanding and the receiving of the good news of the Gospel by faith.  The Bible says that the Gospel is the power God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 24)!  And that power is contained in the news that Jesus suffered, died and rose again so that those who would turn, repent and believe in the name of Jesus will be saved.  This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.