A New Message

The Gospel proclaimed by Jesus is not about reforming a fallen society, fixing corrupt governments, or cleaning up immoral cultural institutions. It is a call to all men who would repent and join an entirely new and vastly different social order and political reality, namely, the Kingdom of God. His message subverts the political ideologies and popular beliefs of fallen humanity.

Responding to his message in repentance and faith is vital. The end of the age is approaching when the existing order will cease. Moreover, he calls his followers to proclaim the Good News of this Kingdom to all nations.

[Photo by Daniil Silantev on Unsplash]

After his resurrection, the Nazarene declared - “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, therefore, go and make disciples of all nations.” This is a message of salvation for all men.

He commanded his disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they “received power when the Holy Spirit came upon them.”  They would then become “his witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the uttermost part of the earth” - (Acts 1:7-9).

The last clause of the passage from Acts is derived from the Second Psalm and its vision of the Anointed Son ruling over the nations and kings of the Earth. His reign began following his Resurrection and Ascension:

• “I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me: You are my son. This day, have I begotten you. Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession” – (Psalm 2:7-8).

As Abraham’s heir, Jesus inherited the Earth. Consequently, he now sends his followers to announce his reign and salvation to the ends of the Earth.

The Apostle Paul called himself the “Apostle to the Nations.” As such, proclaiming the Gospel to the nations and peoples of the Earth was his primary mission. He declared that the “righteousness of God” was received through faith in Jesus by all who believe, both Jew and Greek, for with God, “there is no distinction” or “respect of person” - (Romans 1:14-17).

Because “God is one” and the Creator of all men, He offers salvation to everyone regardless of ethnicity, and to each on the same basis – to both Jews and Gentiles alike. Comprehending this proposition is key to understanding the first several chapters of Paul’s letter to the Romans:

• (Romans 3:22-30) – “A righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all that have faith; for there is no distinction, for all have sinned and lack the glory of God; being declared righteous freely by his grace. through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus… Where, then, is the boasting! It is excluded. Through what kind of law? Of works? Nay, but through a law of faith. For we reckon that a man is to be declared righteous by faith apart from works of law. Or is God the God of Jews only, and not of the Gentiles also? Yea! of the Gentiles also, If, at all events, God is one, who will declare righteous the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through their faith.”

FROM THE FAITH OF JESUS

“In Christ,” all men who repent and believe are set right on the same basis, whether Jew or Gentile, namely, from the faith of Jesus.  There is no basis for human boasting or self-confidence “since all have sinned and lack the glory of God.”

Paul appeals to his monotheistic faith to support this proposition - “Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one and will justify the circumcised from faith and the uncircumcised through faith.”

No one is advantaged or disadvantaged before God because of his ethnicity, social position, economic status, or gender. As Paul wrote to the church in Colossae - “There cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all and in all.” – (Colossians 3:9-11).

God is creating a new humanity through His One composed of men and women from every nation and culture. He is shaping them collectively and individually into the image of His Son. Therefore, the traditional distinctions of race, gender, social, and economic status are inappropriate. What each believer has in common that holds them all together is the “faith of Jesus.”

The announcement of this glorious salvation is one message, and it is intended for all men. The good news announced by Jesus transcends all man-made walls and divisions - (Galatians 3:28).

Consequently, the mission of his disciples is to proclaim this Good News in every inhabited corner of the Earth. The completion of this task is necessary before the return of Jesus. National borders, cultural imperatives, and ethnic barriers will not prevent the “Kingdom of God” from reaching its consummation - (Matthew 24:14).

The day is coming when the destructive works of the Devil will vanish from the Earth.  Sin, Satan, disease, and death will be eliminated forever. This grand victory will coincide with the “arrival” of Jesus in power when he resurrects the righteous dead, vanquishes “death,” rewards his faithful followers, and ushers in the Reign of God in all its grandeur and fullness - (1 Corinthians 15:20-28).

His sons and daughters are called to proclaim this Gospel to every man, woman, and child until Jesus arrives “on the clouds of Heaven.” All men who hear and respond in faith will receive salvation, and resurrection from the dead on that Last Day.

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