What Does The Gospel Really Mean?

Week 1 Scripture: Galatians 1:1-9

The term “gospel” (euangelion) is used five times between Galatians 1:6-9, showing it is an important feature of what Paul intends to communicate to his audience. This term is thrown around loosely in churches and I often wonder if many of us really know what we mean when we say it. A few years back I was teaching on the gospel with a group of youths and I asked, “Who knows what I mean when I say ‘gospel’?” Every youth’s hand flew up immediately. So I asked the first youth, “Can you explain it to me?” He answered, “Well, it’s like what Jesus did, ya know?” I asked a second, “It’s talking to somebody about Jesus.” And then I finally asked another youth who simply shrugged her shoulders and said she had raised her hand because everyone else did. I preferred the last answer because I think it most accurately represents the true state of the church. We hear the word “gospel” from our pulpits (hopefully) nearly every week, but what is it? Some of us have become numb to the true power of God’s “gospel” because it has simply become a word and not a reality. This is the problem in Galatia, and Paul’s writing is set on distinguishing between the “true gospel” (Gal 2:5) and false ones (Gal 1:6). 

            The word “gospel” simply means good news or a joyful message. In Luke, the “gospel” means a message that breaks down social barriers, reaching the poor, releasing prisoners, recovery of sight to the blind, and freedom from oppression (Lk 4:18-21). Paul received his gospel from Jesus (Gal 1:11), and has this same understanding in mind. The ideas of freedom infiltrate each of these meanings, and the implication is that before receiving this gospel people are enslaved. This enslavement needs a rescue. We are told in verse 4, “he (Jesus) gave himself for our sins…that he might rescue us.” The “gospel” has to do with a message of rescue. But, what does humanity need rescuing from? Paul says, “sin” (Gal 1:4). Our world is a mess. We see criminality, death, injustice, terror, and genocide. There exists an enemy at work enslaving people. These people need rescuing. Rescue always implies a need or inability on the part of the one being rescued. Therefore, humanity, cannot rescue themselves and require that Jesus be that rescue! When Paul says, “he (Jesus) gave himself for our sins,” the “for” means “in place of.” Jesus exchanged places with us; Jesus being perfect swaps his life for ours. We receive what Jesus deserves (the fullness of God and true life) and Jesus gets what we deserve (death). This has always been God’s plan (Gal 1:4) to reunite God and humanity. Jesus pays the ultimate price of sin—death! The good news is that sin and death are defeated and Jesus provides the way for humanity to be personally connected back to God. This is the gospel in Galatians.

Summary of the Gospel in Galatians:

1.     All humanity is in need of rescue.

2.     Only Jesus can rescue.

3.     Jesus rescued us by exchanging places with us.

4.     Rescue has always been God’s plan, action, and work.

Questions to Ponder:

1.     What is your view of the gospel? Discuss in the comments section.

2.     Does your gospel differ from the one explained above?

3.     Have you believed your salvation somehow depends upon what you do rather than what God has done?