The term “gospel” often floats around in conversations, sermons, and religious texts, sometimes losing its depth and transforming into a catch-all term for religious messages. However, Paul’s letter to the Romans peels back layers of tradition to reveal the gospel in its purest form: as the exhilarating good news of God’s grace. It’s a message so liberating and so contrary to human nature that it feels “too good to be true.” This message is not just religious background noise but a transformative revelation of hope and love from God to humanity.

The Greek word for gospel, “euaggelion,” was chosen by the biblical writers for its meaning of good, nearly unbelievable news. Before Jesus, the world lacked narratives of such profound hope and mercy. The Gospel, according to Paul, is the declaration that salvation doesn’t come from our efforts or adherence to law but from faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. This news was groundbreaking, shifting the focus from human actions to divine grace. In today’s context, understanding the gospel as good news is more critical than ever. Our world is saturated with messages demanding performance, improvement, and adherence to various standards to attain worth and acceptance.

Against this backdrop, the gospel stands out as a radical message of unconditional acceptance by God, not based on what we do but on what Jesus did for us on the cross. It’s a message that should liberate us from the pressures of proving ourselves and instead invite us to rest in the assurance of God’s love and grace. Moreover, Paul’s emphasis on the gospel as the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16) is a reminder of the inclusivity of God’s love. It transcends cultural, racial, and social barriers, uniting all in a common journey towards understanding and embracing God’s grace.

This inclusivity is a powerful antidote to the divisions and strife that often characterize our world, suggesting that at the heart of the gospel is a message of reconciliation and peace. The gospel’s portrayal as good news also challenges the often gloomy and fear-inducing narratives associated with religion. Instead of focusing on sin and condemnation, the gospel centers on hope, redemption, and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. This shift from fear to love, from judgment to grace, is what makes the gospel truly good news. It’s an invitation to a life of freedom, joy, and peace with God, freed from the chains of guilt and striving for acceptance.

In essence, Paul’s message in Romans offers a fresh perspective on the gospel, encouraging us to see it not as a set of religious obligations or moral codes but as the liberating news of God’s grace and love. It invites us into a relationship with God marked by freedom, not fear; by peace, not pressure; and by joy, not judgment. This understanding of the gospel has the power to transform lives, communities, and the world, offering hope and light in the midst of darkness and despair. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us hold onto the simplicity and beauty of the gospel as good news. Let it be a source of strength, encouragement, and unwavering hope, reminding us of the depth of God’s love and the freedom we have in Christ. The gospel is not just good news; it’s the best news, inviting us into a life-changing relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

—Josh Mullins—