Studies on the gospel

I. The Term “Gospel”

A. “Good News”

1. Euangellion = good news, without specifying content beyond its positivity.

   a. Common usage refers to God’s plan of salvation.

   b. Content context-dependent (e.g., I Thess. 3:6, Rev. 10:7).

2. Usage before and after Calvary:

   a. Refers to general good news pre- and post-Crucifixion.

   b. Later, signifies Christ’s salvific work.

3. Pre-Crucifixion disciples preached a “gospel” without understanding Jesus’ death and resurrection.

4. Content of the message was not centered on Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection.

II. The Gospel of the Kingdom Is Preached Without Explanation

A. John & Jesus Announced The Good News: The Kingdom Was At Hand

1. John and Jesus preached the Kingdom without explicit explanation.

2. Disciples preached without in-depth elaboration, assuming Jews’ inherent understanding.

3. Implication: Jews were familiar with this anticipated message after 400 years.

B. This Message Needed No Explanation

1. Jews anticipated this message through Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Mal. 4:5-6).

2. Message centered on national repentance.

3. Major theme in Old Testament prophecies: anticipation of a Messianic Kingdom.

III. The Beginning of the Preaching of the Kingdom

A. Jesus’ Birth: Announcement of the potential establishment of the Kingdom.

   1. Expected arrival of the King.

B. Some in Israel anticipated the immediate establishment of the Kingdom.

   1. Simeon and Anna expected redemption.

   2. Daniel 9 predicted the exact date of His coming.

   3. John proclaimed as the voice preparing for the Messiah-King.

C. Announcement of the Kingdom did not require explanation.

   1. Message of repentance and imminent Kingdom arrival.

   2. The fact of the Kingdom wasn’t new; its immediacy was the good news.

D. Announcement not equivalent to God’s plan of individual salvation today.

IV. Relationship To Lordship Salvation

A. Lordship salvation views Jesus’ teachings to Israel as integral to God’s salvation plan today.

   1. Jesus’ primary ministry was confirming covenants with Israel.

B. Contentious points about the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus’ statements on salvation.

C. Emphasis on repentance as a prerequisite for salvation in Lordship salvation perspective.

   1. Calls for turning from sin before receiving Christ.

Your analysis sheds light on the distinction between the Kingdom message proclaimed by Jesus, emphasizing national repentance and the imminent Kingdom, and the later Christian doctrine centered on individual salvation through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection.