Go Deeper

More Key Bible Verses

Read Luke 4:18.

Jesus himself describes the good news of the gospel that he came to be and do for us.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.

Luke 4:18

Read 1 Timothy 1:15.

The Apostle Paul explained what the good news of the gospel meant for him and us.

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

1 Timothy 1:15

Read Romans 4:25.

Paul further explains the good news of Jesus and what he has done for us.

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Romans 4:25

Read and study the following quotes from “A Humanitarian by Giving Us the Gospel,” chapter 14 of God—The Ultimate Humanitarian.

Because the gospel plays such a vital role, it is essential to be clear on what it is. The word gospel literally means good news. The Bible uses it to describe the very specific message of Jesus’ saving works for us. Its focus is entirely on God’s love for us. It talks about what Jesus has already done on our behalf and excludes any thought of human contribution to salvation. Its message is DONE, not do. It announces that God forgives us freely and fully in Jesus. It is the best news of all!

God—The Ultimate Humanitarian, 96-97

What does it mean that the gospel has power? Think about the power of dynamite.

The word “dynamite” is derived from the Greek word translated as “power” in Romans 1:16. When you share the gospel, picture yourself placing a stick of dynamite alongside their stony heart of unbelief. It’s then up to the Holy Spirit to light the fuse in his timing and choosing.

The word “dynamo” is also derived from that Greek word. A dynamo doesn’t give a blast of power like dynamite. It is a generator producing a constant stream of energy. The gospel is the dynamo generating the energy needed to lead a God-pleasing life. The more we focus on what Jesus has done for us, the more energized we are to show him our thanks with godly living. Many believers, however, focus almost entirely on Bible passages which describe a godly life. Those Scriptures tell us what a godly life consists of, but they don’t empower us to live them. Only the gospel generates the power for Christian living. We need to be regularly connected to our gospel generator.

God—The Ultimate Humanitarian, 101-102