The Gospel of Jesus Christ: Definition, Doctrine, Declaration, and Demonstration

“He is not here, but is risen!. Luke 24:6 NKJV

The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God for mankind’s salvation. Rooted in the pages of Scripture, this “good news” is more than a story—it is a divine power, a revealed doctrine, a call to proclamation, and a living demonstration of God’s love and victory. The Apostle Paul declares in Romans 1:16-17 (KJV), “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power (Dynamis) of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith.” This power, described as Dynamis—a Greek term denoting miraculous strength—underpins the Gospel’s ability to change lives and establish believers in their faith, as echoed in Romans 16:25-26.

For the born-again believer, the Gospel is not merely a historical account but a living force that shapes identity and purpose. Four critical elements—Definition, Doctrine, Declaration, and Demonstration—reveal its profound significance. Let us journey together through this transformative message.

 Point One: Definition—The Meaning Behind the Gospel

To truly grasp the Gospel, we must first understand its meaning. The term “Gospel” as we know it today did not originate with Jesus, the apostles, or the early New Testament writers. It entered the English Bible through the King James Translation, derived from an Old English phrase meaning “a good story.” While the Gospel is indeed a compelling narrative, it transcends a mere tale—it is a world-altering proclamation.

The word “Gospel” traces its roots to the Greek term Euaggelion, meaning “good news,” and its verb form Euaggelizo, meaning “to announce good tidings.” This language finds its parallel in the Hebrew Basar, also meaning “to proclaim good news.” Two pivotal moments in the New Testament illuminate its usage:

1.  The Annunciation to the Shepherds (Luke 2:10, KJV): When the angel declared, “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people,” the birth of Jesus was heralded as a message of cosmic significance. The angel acted as a divine messenger, delivering news that would reshape humanity.

2.  Jesus’ Mission Statement (Luke 4:18-19, KJV): Quoting Isaiah 61:1-2, Jesus proclaimed, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor… to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind.” Here, the Gospel is framed as liberation and restoration.

In the Greco-Roman world, Euaggelion was used to announce monumental victories—such as the Battle of Marathon in 490 B.C., where Greek heralds proclaimed freedom after defeating Persia. These “evangelists” carried news that altered the course of history. Similarly, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the ultimate Euaggelion—a proclamation of His victory over sin, death, and Satan, offering freedom to all who believe. It is not just a story; it is the victorious declaration of a King who has conquered all.

Point Two: Doctrine—The Foundation of the Gospel

The doctrine of the Gospel is the theological bedrock upon which its power rests. It is the unfolding story of God’s redemptive plan, centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ—the Lamb of God. From the opening verses of Genesis to the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, Scripture weaves a narrative of anticipation and fulfillment. As John might paraphrase, “In the beginning was the Lamb, and the Lamb was with God, and the Lamb was God” (cf. John 1:1). This Lamb, promised through the seed of the woman to crush Satan’s head (Genesis 3:15), became flesh, dwelt among us, and fulfilled the mystery hidden since the world began.

The core of this doctrine lies in the events of Jesus’ life: His birth, ministry, betrayal, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. Yet, the death, burial, and resurrection stand as the pinnacle of this narrative, embodying the Gospel’s power. Consider these Scriptures:

• 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV): “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Jesus, sinless, bore our sins, exchanging His righteousness for our guilt.

• Romans 5:17 (KJV): Through one man’s offense (Adam), death reigned; through another (Jesus), grace and righteousness enable us to reign in life.

• Revelation 1:18 (KJV): “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Christ’s resurrection secured victory over death’s dominion.

• Colossians 2:15 (KJV): “Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” His triumph disarmed spiritual forces.

In essence, the Gospel is the glorious news of Jesus’ defeat of sin and hell through His death, burial, and resurrection. It liberates humanity from Satan’s grasp, justifies and sanctifies believers, and positions them to be filled with the Holy Spirit—the Promise of the Father (Acts 26:18; John 17:3, AMPC). This doctrine is not abstract; it reflects the lived reality of redemption for all who embrace it by faith.

Point Three: Declaration—The Power of Preaching

A Gospel that remains unpreached is no Gospel at all. Its power is unleashed through declaration—proclamation with urgency and authority. The Greek words Kerygma (to preach) and Kerygma (proclamation) describe this act, akin to a herald delivering a king’s decree. Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (KJV), where he recounts preaching Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as the foundation of salvation.

The preaching of the Gospel activates its Dynamis power, likened to a fuse igniting dynamite. As 1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV) states, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” This message, though foolishness to some, is the wisdom and power of God to those who are called (1 Corinthians 1:23-24).

The apostles modeled this relentless proclamation. Empowered by the resurrection, they preached Christ crucified and risen with great power (Acts 4:33, KJV). Jesus Himself set the example, as seen in Luke 24:25-32, where He expounded the Scriptures to the Emmaus disciples, and in Luke 8:1 (Wuest), He proclaimed the Kingdom with authority. Even in Revelation 1:18, Jesus declares His victory over death, underscoring the enduring message of the Gospel.

As ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20, KJV), believers are charged to preach with the same urgency. The Gospel demands to be heard, for an imperfectly preached Gospel lacks the fullness of its power. It is through bold declarations of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus that lives are transformed and the Kingdom of God advances.

Point Four: Demonstration—The Living Proof

Preaching alone is incomplete without demonstration. The Gospel is not just told—it is shown. Jesus exemplified this in His ministry, as recorded in Luke 8:1 (KJV): “He went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God.” His actions—healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out demons—validated His words (Matthew 10:7-8, KJV; Acts 10:38, KJV).

The apostles continued this pattern, demonstrating the Gospel’s power through signs and wonders (Acts 4:33, KJV). Paul’s ministry further illustrates this in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (KJV): “My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” The Gospel’s authenticity is proven through the tangible work of the Holy Spirit.

This demonstration is not reserved for the past. Believers today are called to “freely give” what they have received (Matthew 10:8, Wuest), reflecting the Kingdom’s presence through acts of love, healing, and deliverance. Without this living proof, the Gospel’s fuse is cut, and its explosive power remains dormant.

Conclusion: Returning to Our First Love

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a call to repentance. “Repent and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15 KJV). To the Church at Ephesus, Jesus warned, “Thou hast left thy first love… repent, and do the first works” (Revelation 2:4-5, KJV). Our first love is rooted in His love for us (1 John 4:19, KJV), ignited when we first heard the Gospel and fell in love with Him. It compels us to seek His Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33, KJV) and hunger for righteousness (Matthew 5:6, KJV).

Let us return to this first love by embracing the full expression of the Gospel—defining it rightly, standing firm in its doctrine, proclaiming it boldly, and demonstrating its power. As we do, we align with the eternal purpose of God, becoming vessels of His Dynamis power to a world in need. The Gospel is not just news; it is life. Preach the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus with demonstrations of the power of God to a lost and dying world. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2 KJV).