The Gospel - In Luke 2:10 - 11

Luke 2:10-11

These verses contain a clear description of the Gospel.

"Good News"

It is true that the preaching of the gospel must include the facts of sin, the fall , the depravity of man, eternal judgement etc., but the real point of the gospel is that it is Good News. All the negative aspects are those things which bring about death. The gospel is the good news which brings life.

"Great Joy"

The very fact that it is Good News should inform us that it will be the cause of joy, but the angel here describes it not simply as bringing joy but Great Joy. A religion without joy is simply a religion. Christ's incarnation and the saints' salvation are causes for Great Joy.

"For all People"

The Good News is not merely for the Jews or for a particular caste or class. It is good news for all. "Whosoever . . .", "As many as received him . . ." etc.

"Today"

The Good News is always a NOW declaration. There is a past and a future involved but "now is the accepted time".

"A Saviour"

Whatever we pretend, there is always a need for a Saviour. Even the Christian needs continually to meet with Salvation . For the unregenerate the need is urgent and vital.

"Christ"

The Messiah. The promise of God from the time of Adam to the present day that his anointed one should come to be a Prophet - bringing God to Man, a Priest - bringing Man to God and the King - ruling Man for God. The Gospel is the Good News of the Kingdom of God, the Government of God.

"The Lord"

The Kingship or Government of God is possible only through the Lordship of Jesus. Lord is not a meaningless title - or even a title of rank - it is a statement of authority. Lordship demands obedience, submission and humility as well as service. It demands loyalty and diligence. It returns Joy, satisfaction, provision, protection, health and salvation.

Since Christians accept the Lordship of Jesus through the love he has for them and that they have for him, the above requirements are not difficult but are, themselves a joy.

Further references:

Gen. 12:3, Psalm 72, Isaiah 2:2; 42:6; 49:6; 60:3, Acts 13:47, Romans 15:8, Col 1:23