This good news of the kingdom
A great topic!
In the Bible, Jesus often referred to the "good news of the kingdom" (Matthew 4:23, Mark 1:14-15, Luke 4:43). This phrase is also translated as "the gospel of the kingdom" or simply "the gospel."
The "good news" refers to the message that Jesus preached, which was that God's kingdom, or reign, was near. Jesus proclaimed that God's kingdom was not just a future event, but a present reality that was breaking into the world.
The "kingdom" refers to the reign of God, which is characterized by love, justice, and righteousness. It's a kingdom where God is the supreme ruler, and where all people can live in harmony with Him and with each other.
The "good news" of the kingdom is that God is actively working to restore His creation, and that He invites all people to participate in this restoration. Through faith in Jesus Christ, people can experience the forgiveness of sins, receive eternal life, and become citizens of God's kingdom.
Some key aspects of the "good news of the kingdom" include:
- The kingdom is near: Jesus proclaimed that the kingdom of God was near, and that people should repent and believe the good news (Mark 1:15).
- Salvation is available: Jesus offered salvation to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances (Luke 19:10).
- Forgiveness is possible: Jesus preached forgiveness of sins to all who would repent and believe (Luke 24:47).
- Eternal life is promised: Jesus promised eternal life to all who would believe in Him (John 3:16).
- God's kingdom is a present reality: Jesus taught that God's kingdom is not just a future event, but a present reality that can be experienced by those who follow Him (Matthew 6:10, Luke 17:20-21).
Overall, the "good news of the kingdom" is a message of hope, salvation, and eternal life, and it's a message that continues to be shared by Christians around the world today.