jeremiah1five
Active Member
The definition of "gospel" is as follows (according to Strong.)
"gospel" [Strong's #2098]
Greek Word: εὐαγγέλιον
Transliteration: euangelion
Root: from the same as [G#2097]
Part of Speech: noun neuter
Meaning: from the same as [G#2097] (euaggelizo); a good message, i.e. the gospel.
Found here:
1 THE beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; Mark 1:1.
Root: (as above) [Strong's #2097] Greek Word: εὐαγγελίζω Transliteration: euangelizō Part of Speech: verb.
from [#G2095] (eu) and [G#32] (aggelos); to announce good news (“evangelize”) especially the gospel.
Enough with the technical aspect. The word typically means, "good news."
Do we agree?
Yes, we do. There were times some would say there is only ONE "gospel" ("good news") in the Bible. It is the one Saul wrote about in First Corinthians 15.
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:1–4.
I agree. But that is not the gospel that concerns God the Father. What Saul wrote to his Jewish brethren in Corinth is the gospel that concerns us. THAT good news (gospel) above that Saul wrote has direct application to us to whom what Jesus Christ did affected most, that is, our salvation. But if what Jesus did on the cross is good news to us, what do I mean when I say that this good news ("gospel") is not a gospel that concerns God the Father? It is directly tied to the so-called "Great Commission" found in Acts 1:6-8.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:6–8.
Mainline Christianity ties "witness" with "gospel" and the teaching is that we are to tell EVERYONE about the "gospel" Saul wrote to Jewish Christians in Corinth about, that Jesus was crucified and died for "our" sins, He was raised from the grave/dead, and 'you' can be saved. Memorizing the so-called "Apostles Creed" (Greek: "creed/credo" = "I believe") is helpful when "witnessing" to others that do not know Jesus as Lord the "gospel" (good news) about Jesus Christ (again, good news that only applies to "the world" and to us as believers.)
Now, there are a couple of things that are wrong about this teaching (doctrine) in Christianity. I mentioned two things that are related to the "gospel" and that is [our] "witnessing" (and I use the translation as definition, not the Greek which is "martyr.")
The problem I find in Christianity is the teaching that everyone who is born-again and knows Jesus as their "personal Savior" is required to tell everyone about their experience and about Jesus Christ and that He died, was buried, rose from the grave/dead and is Savior "of the world." Whoa! Now I found a third wrong in Christianity. Let me take these one at a time.
Witnessing (telling others) is a (FIRST) mistake that is taught in churches today. Pastors and speakers and everyone in the pulpit and outside the pulpit in Christendom is told they must "go out into the world" and tell others about the gospel ("good news") about Jesus Christ. Whoa! Now I have found a fourth error!
Back to "witnessing" let me quote what Saul wrote in his Corinthian letter. He said:
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 1 Corinthians 12:28–30.
For those that know correct doctrine from the Bible would know that the ministry of "prophet" is two-fold. They are the "mouth" in the body of Christ where calling and body part is concerned. The Old Testament prophets were commanded of God to bear the Word of God to the Hebrew people - and sometimes to non-Hebrews (Gentiles.) A Biblical prophet does two things: he/she fore-tells and he/she forth-tells.
He/she fore-tells, or tells something of the future, and he/she forth-tells, or tells something about today, and at times, about the past. If people in church are told by their pastors and/or teachers they are to "go out into the world" and tell everyone the gospel/good news about Jesus Christ this effectually "makes" a person a "prophet." But then again Saul asks the question in the negative, "are all apostles/prophets?" "Are all teachers or workers of miracles?" The answer is unequivocally, "NO!" we are NOT all apostles or prophets or teachers or workers of miracles. One this point pastors who tell other Christians they are to "go out into the world and tell everyone they meet about the gospel/good news about Jesus Christ are in error. We don't receive our calling or place in the body from men; we receive these from God.
Then there is the "gospel" or "good news" about Jesus Christ. Now, in some respect this "good news" about Jesus Christ might be good news about Jesus Christ in the sense that He is "King of the Jews," or "Lord" or "Savior." But this "gospel" or "good news" about Jesus Christ is only applicable to us and not to Jesus Christ Himself. He's not a Savior to Himself, but to us. And that is what I mean about telling others about Jesus Christ. The "gospel" or "good news" about Jesus Christ is a message that applies to us. Are you following me?
A survey of the Bible we find many places where the word and definition of "gospel" would apply. It was "gospel" that Moses was sent to the Hebrews to lead them out of bondage just as it was "gospel" that Mary would bear a Son who would be Savior of the Jews," the Messiah who would be "King of the Jews." These are all "good news" or "gospel" to these individuals. Thus, there are many "gospels" in the Bible and not just the one Saul wrote about in First Corinthians 15.
The so-called "Great Commission" is a commission Christ gave to the eleven in Acts 1 and not to be applied to everyone who becomes a Christian. We are NOT all apostles or prophets nor are we all commanded to "go into the world" and tell everyone about Jesus Christ. That is a command and calling to those who are called by God to be the "mouth" in the body of Christ. The correct response to this is that we are to "mind our own business, do our own work with our hands quietly, and to live as peaceably with all men (as is possible) and to "sanctify the Lord in our hearts and always be ready to give an answer TO THOSE THAT ASK of the hope in you with meekness and trembling." THAT is our "gospel" or "good news." But for pastors and speakers in the pulpit, we are NOT all apostles or prophets. NONE of us is required to do what the eleven apostles in Acts 1 did. That commission is a "Great Commission" that Christ gave specifically TO THEM, not to us. To take that commission and make it our own is wrong, it is an error for those that do and believe such a thing. Yes, I know, this is getting long. Now, a quick word on the "gospel" or "good news."
The "gospel" or "good news" the eleven apostles were equipped by command to do of Christ was not to tell everyone that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again," etc., it was this specific thing the apostles in Acts 1 were commanded to do: THEIR "gospel" or "good news" was this one message to Jews living in Gentile lands: "God has kept His Promise."
That's it. THAT is the only "gospel" or "good news" these eleven were tasked with.
TO JEWS everywhere: God has kept His Promise.
Now comes the questions...
What/Which Promise are you talking about?
"gospel" [Strong's #2098]
Greek Word: εὐαγγέλιον
Transliteration: euangelion
Root: from the same as [G#2097]
Part of Speech: noun neuter
Meaning: from the same as [G#2097] (euaggelizo); a good message, i.e. the gospel.
Found here:
1 THE beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; Mark 1:1.
Root: (as above) [Strong's #2097] Greek Word: εὐαγγελίζω Transliteration: euangelizō Part of Speech: verb.
from [#G2095] (eu) and [G#32] (aggelos); to announce good news (“evangelize”) especially the gospel.
Enough with the technical aspect. The word typically means, "good news."
Do we agree?
Yes, we do. There were times some would say there is only ONE "gospel" ("good news") in the Bible. It is the one Saul wrote about in First Corinthians 15.
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:1–4.
I agree. But that is not the gospel that concerns God the Father. What Saul wrote to his Jewish brethren in Corinth is the gospel that concerns us. THAT good news (gospel) above that Saul wrote has direct application to us to whom what Jesus Christ did affected most, that is, our salvation. But if what Jesus did on the cross is good news to us, what do I mean when I say that this good news ("gospel") is not a gospel that concerns God the Father? It is directly tied to the so-called "Great Commission" found in Acts 1:6-8.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:6–8.
Mainline Christianity ties "witness" with "gospel" and the teaching is that we are to tell EVERYONE about the "gospel" Saul wrote to Jewish Christians in Corinth about, that Jesus was crucified and died for "our" sins, He was raised from the grave/dead, and 'you' can be saved. Memorizing the so-called "Apostles Creed" (Greek: "creed/credo" = "I believe") is helpful when "witnessing" to others that do not know Jesus as Lord the "gospel" (good news) about Jesus Christ (again, good news that only applies to "the world" and to us as believers.)
Now, there are a couple of things that are wrong about this teaching (doctrine) in Christianity. I mentioned two things that are related to the "gospel" and that is [our] "witnessing" (and I use the translation as definition, not the Greek which is "martyr.")
The problem I find in Christianity is the teaching that everyone who is born-again and knows Jesus as their "personal Savior" is required to tell everyone about their experience and about Jesus Christ and that He died, was buried, rose from the grave/dead and is Savior "of the world." Whoa! Now I found a third wrong in Christianity. Let me take these one at a time.
Witnessing (telling others) is a (FIRST) mistake that is taught in churches today. Pastors and speakers and everyone in the pulpit and outside the pulpit in Christendom is told they must "go out into the world" and tell others about the gospel ("good news") about Jesus Christ. Whoa! Now I have found a fourth error!
Back to "witnessing" let me quote what Saul wrote in his Corinthian letter. He said:
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 1 Corinthians 12:28–30.
For those that know correct doctrine from the Bible would know that the ministry of "prophet" is two-fold. They are the "mouth" in the body of Christ where calling and body part is concerned. The Old Testament prophets were commanded of God to bear the Word of God to the Hebrew people - and sometimes to non-Hebrews (Gentiles.) A Biblical prophet does two things: he/she fore-tells and he/she forth-tells.
He/she fore-tells, or tells something of the future, and he/she forth-tells, or tells something about today, and at times, about the past. If people in church are told by their pastors and/or teachers they are to "go out into the world" and tell everyone the gospel/good news about Jesus Christ this effectually "makes" a person a "prophet." But then again Saul asks the question in the negative, "are all apostles/prophets?" "Are all teachers or workers of miracles?" The answer is unequivocally, "NO!" we are NOT all apostles or prophets or teachers or workers of miracles. One this point pastors who tell other Christians they are to "go out into the world and tell everyone they meet about the gospel/good news about Jesus Christ are in error. We don't receive our calling or place in the body from men; we receive these from God.
Then there is the "gospel" or "good news" about Jesus Christ. Now, in some respect this "good news" about Jesus Christ might be good news about Jesus Christ in the sense that He is "King of the Jews," or "Lord" or "Savior." But this "gospel" or "good news" about Jesus Christ is only applicable to us and not to Jesus Christ Himself. He's not a Savior to Himself, but to us. And that is what I mean about telling others about Jesus Christ. The "gospel" or "good news" about Jesus Christ is a message that applies to us. Are you following me?
A survey of the Bible we find many places where the word and definition of "gospel" would apply. It was "gospel" that Moses was sent to the Hebrews to lead them out of bondage just as it was "gospel" that Mary would bear a Son who would be Savior of the Jews," the Messiah who would be "King of the Jews." These are all "good news" or "gospel" to these individuals. Thus, there are many "gospels" in the Bible and not just the one Saul wrote about in First Corinthians 15.
The so-called "Great Commission" is a commission Christ gave to the eleven in Acts 1 and not to be applied to everyone who becomes a Christian. We are NOT all apostles or prophets nor are we all commanded to "go into the world" and tell everyone about Jesus Christ. That is a command and calling to those who are called by God to be the "mouth" in the body of Christ. The correct response to this is that we are to "mind our own business, do our own work with our hands quietly, and to live as peaceably with all men (as is possible) and to "sanctify the Lord in our hearts and always be ready to give an answer TO THOSE THAT ASK of the hope in you with meekness and trembling." THAT is our "gospel" or "good news." But for pastors and speakers in the pulpit, we are NOT all apostles or prophets. NONE of us is required to do what the eleven apostles in Acts 1 did. That commission is a "Great Commission" that Christ gave specifically TO THEM, not to us. To take that commission and make it our own is wrong, it is an error for those that do and believe such a thing. Yes, I know, this is getting long. Now, a quick word on the "gospel" or "good news."
The "gospel" or "good news" the eleven apostles were equipped by command to do of Christ was not to tell everyone that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again," etc., it was this specific thing the apostles in Acts 1 were commanded to do: THEIR "gospel" or "good news" was this one message to Jews living in Gentile lands: "God has kept His Promise."
That's it. THAT is the only "gospel" or "good news" these eleven were tasked with.
TO JEWS everywhere: God has kept His Promise.
Now comes the questions...
What/Which Promise are you talking about?
