“…in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel” (Romans 2:16).
The New Testament’s good news of spiritual victory over Satan, sin, and death has several noteworthy descriptors.
In Mark 1:1, it is called “the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” because of the spiritual victor who makes it possible. Jesus Christ, the Son of God is the focus and compelling force of the gospel.
In Romans 1:1, Paul declares it “the gospel of God”. This is most accurate because the Father eternally purposed it, the Son’s blood inaugurated it, and the Holy Spirit revealed it to the New Testament apostles and prophets.
In Acts 20:24, it is described as “the gospel of the grace of God” because only the manifold wisdom and grace of God would devise and implement a plan which necessitated the giving of His only begotten Son for humanity’s redemption.
Ephesians 1:13 rightly designates it “the gospel of your salvation”. The blessedness found in Christ is not a theory or a philosophy; salvation is a gift which anyone can have and everyone who has obeyed the gospel does receive.
Romans 10:15 states it is “the gospel of peace”. As predicted by Isaiah, the victory Jesus provides brings peace with God, a cessation of hostilities and full reconciliation of God and sinner.
In Romans 2:16 Paul proclaims it to be “my gospel”. He knows he is not its focus, force, or source. He knows he can only deliver the revelation he receives (1 Corinthians 11:25, 15:3). He knows it is sinful to pervert it (Galatians 1:6-9) or become sectarian in one’s allegiances with it (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). But, he also knows that the treasure of the gospel has been entrusted to earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7) who are granted the unfathomable privilege of being called “God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9).
What incredible splendor resides in “the glorious gospel of the blessed God” (1 Timothy 1:11)!
