"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle,
separated to the gospel of God."
Romans 1:1
It's good news when a surgeon comes to the waiting room and says to the family, "He came through the surgery fine. Everything looks okay. I expect a full recovery." Family members are able to sigh a deep sense of relief. They just heard good news about a person they love.
The apostle Paul was commissioned by God to bring good news. The word gospel simply means good news. The gospel is good news for sinners. God loves us. Christ died to save us from the judgment of our sins. He is risen from the dead to prove that His sacrifice for us is accepted by God our Father. We are justified from all sin through the One who loves us and gave Himself for us at the cross.
Good news is meaningless unless we believe that it is true. When we believe good news, we are taking the word of another person. The family who hears the good news from the surgeon has confidence in his prognosis. Their hope and joy is based simply upon his word. Our faith, hope and joy in Christ is based on the Word of God. To reject the gospel of Jesus Christ is to reject the good news of God.
Imagine that you are accused of a terrible crime. You are seated in the courtroom with your attorney, awaiting the verdict of the jury. The announcement is made, "Not guilty." Now, that would be good news. However, we are guilty. We have disobeyed God's law. Yet, by faith in Jesus Christ, we are declared, "Not guilty." The verdict is correct. The reason is seen at the cross. Christ died in our place for our sins. That's good news for you.
God, we believe and receive the good news of Jesus Christ.
