June 22, 2025 - Dr. Jeff Raines

What is the Gospel? - Romans 1:1-7

What is the gospel?

In Greek gospel means good news and here in the book of Romans Paul is laying out this theology in a systematic way. So how does the gospel, this good news, come and how is it shared? According to N.T. Wright in his book, “Simply Good News”:

1. It comes to a historical context of need, despair/hopelessness. Jesus is the good news. He came into history at a time where there had been great longing for God to act, to remove the oppressionive forces.

2. It promises a wonderful future that had been out of reach. Jesus brings the promise of heaven and abundant, eternal life. In Revelation 21:3-5it says, “Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people and he will dwell with them. They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eye. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. For the old order of things has passed away.”

3. In the meantime, we live with hope and excitement for what is coming. We are called to a different kind of living in the meantime. We live with hope. We know the outcome is assured.

What do we do with this good news? We share it. Like the woman at the well after realizing Jesus was indeed the Messiah, she runs into the village and tells everyone about her encounter with the Living Water.

So how do we understand our story, our experiences with the Good News and how do we share it?