Theology of the Gospel

The word theology means “the study of God” and the word gospel literally means “good news”. It is a wonderful thing to study our great God who has brought us astounding news. In ancient times a person called a herald would arrive in a city with news from the king, would stand up on a platform, and would announce good news to the people of that city. Can you imagine what it must have been like to hear certain kinds of news? What if the herald announced that a longtime enemy had been defeated? What if he announced a tax break or the release of criminals unjustly convicted? There would obviously be great joy in that place. People once living in tyranny would now be free, not because of their work, but only because they heard good news and believed it.

The purpose of Theology of the Gospel is to announce good news to you about who God is and what he has done that will bring you great joy. Do you remember when the angel Gabriel announced this news to Mary, saying, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord?” One important aspect of the good news that brings great joy is that Jesus has come and done for us what we could never do for ourselves. He has defeated the enemies of Satan, sin, and death, has paid the penalty for our sin, taken on the wrath of God, adopted us into his family, filled us with the Holy Spirit, and will complete the work he has started in us. Our response to this news ought to be to turn from our old way of life, to put our full trust in Jesus, and to give our whole lives to His kingdom. This semester we will study diligently together, memorize Scripture, share the good news with others, read articles that expand our view of God, fall more deeply in love with our great God and Savior, and be filled with the joy that comes from Him.