July 9

But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. — Acts 20:24 BSB

What does the word “gospel” mean? Its literal meaning is “good news” or “glad tidings,” which fits with its original meaning. But if it’s “good news,” it must be good news about something and to someone. There must be a message being delivered, and there must be someone receiving it as good news. For the gospel to be truly good news, there must be a message from God to humanity—God as the Speaker, and humanity as the hearer; God as the Giver, and humanity as the receiver. But for the gospel to be good news from heaven to earth, it must proclaim grace, mercy, forgiveness, deliverance, and salvation—all as free gifts of God’s unearned favor. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be a gospel suited to our needs; it wouldn’t be good news for us, sinners, lawbreakers, guilty criminals, vile transgressors, condemned to die by the justice of God’s holiness. And if the gospel is to be good news for us, it must also be worthy of the God who gives it.

This pure, clear, and free gospel is good news because it announces forgiveness through the blood of Jesus and justification through his righteousness. It reveals an obedience that upheld and honored the law, and a sacrifice for sin that blotted it out forever. It brings glory to God and salvation to the soul. It is a revelation of sovereign mercy, love, and grace, where each person of the divine Trinity is glorified. In the gospel, “mercy and truth meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Through it, “truth springs out of the earth” in the hearts of repentant sinners, and “righteousness,” satisfied by Christ’s obedience, “looks down from heaven.”

If you love the pure, clear, and free gospel of God’s grace, you love it not only because it meets your needs, but because you’ve tasted its sweetness and power. It not only speaks of forgiveness, but brings forgiveness; not only proclaims mercy, but brings mercy; not only points out a way of salvation, but brings salvation, with all its blessings, into your heart. This makes it “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”