“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’…How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” (Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:14-15).
As predicted by Isaiah and partially referenced by Paul in Romans 10:15, the gospel has several significant themes which are to be heralded because of their joyously glad tidings. These themes are:
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Spiritual victory. Jesus Christ has conquered Satan, sin, and death. As victor, the captain of our salvation now has complete authority over death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). The gates of Hades could not and did not prevail against Him; the resurrected Son of God has built His kingdom, the church (Matthew 16:18). The church which Jesus purchased and built is the body of people to whom He adds when one is saved from his sins (Acts 2:47).
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Peace. Hostility towards God and animosity towards His will are no longer unchangeable facts of human existence. All who have been justified by faith in Christ have peace with God (Romans 5:1). In Christ you can be reconciled to God (Romans 5:10) and enjoy the peace which surpasses all human understanding (Philippians 4:7).
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Salvation. Whoever hears the gospel, believes it, confesses his heartfelt faith in Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, and calls upon the name of the Lord by promptly being baptized to have his sins washed away (Acts 22:16) will enjoy spiritual health and well-being because all spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
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God’s sovereignty. Jehovah reigns. His conquering Son has been given all authority in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). He alone has the wisdom and the power to work all things together for good for every soul who loves Him and is called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
No messenger of any conqueror in human history has been given such a wonderful and joyous message of victory as has been entrusted to every one of Christ’s heralds.
The feet of the messenger carrying such glad tidings of good things are beautiful indeed.
