Glad Tidings

Jesus summoned his disciples to proclaim the Good News of his Kingdom to every inhabited corner of the Earth. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not about reforming society or governments. His message summons all men to repent and join a radically new social order and political reality, the Kingdom of God. His message is contrary to the political ideologies of the present world order. We must respond positively to his invitation since the end of the age is approaching when the existing system will disappear.

[Photo by Zachariah Smith on Unsplash]

Jesus sent his disciples to spread his teachings and proclaim his lordship to all nations. As he declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, therefore, go and make disciples of all nations.” This life-changing message affects all men without exception, in one way or another.

Before his Ascension, he commanded his followers to wait in Jerusalem until they “received power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,” then they would become “his witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the Earth” - (Acts 1:7-9).

The last clause of the passage from Acts cites the vision of the Second Psalm portraying the Anointed Son governing the nations. His reign began following his Death, Resurrection, and Ascension:

• “I will tell of the decree: Yahweh 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 the Messiah of Israel and Heir of Abraham, Jesus inherited all things, including the nations. Therefore, he now sends his followers as heralds to announce Salvation and his Sovereignty to the furthest regions of the planet. Every man or woman must hear the “Glad Tidings of God’s Kingdom” while the opportunity remains.

According to Paul, the “Apostle to the Gentiles,” believers receive the “righteousness of God” through faith in Jesus. With God, “there is no distinction” or “respect of person.” It is not ethnicity or social position that acquits anyone before Him. Every man stands or falls before God on the same basis. No one has any justification to boast of his or her qualifications for or right to justification before the Creator of All Things.

FROM THE FAITH OF JESUS

Everyone who responds to the message with faith is put in right standing with God and acquitted of the penalties for sin we all richly deserve “from the faith of Jesus Christ.” There is no basis for self-confidence “since all have sinned and lack the glory of God.” Jesus died for all men when they were “yet enemies of God” - (Romans 3:22-30).

Paul appealed to his monotheistic faith to support the proposition that everyone stands or falls before God on the same basis: “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 man is advantaged or disadvantaged before Him because of nationality, economic status, or gender. As Paul wrote to the church of Colossae, “There cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freeman, but Christ is all and in all.” – (Colossians 3:9-11).

Through Jesus, God is creating a new humanity and a political reality that differs radically from the nations and governments of this world, a covenant community, singular, composed of men and women of every country redeemed by the blood of Jesus, the same Jesus who “gave his life as a ransom for many.”

Our faith in and allegiance to Jesus redefines and reorients every human relationship. The “God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” is shaping redeemed men and women collectively and individually into the image of His Son.

The traditional distinctions of race and social or economic status are wholly inappropriate in His new community. What we each have in common is the “faith of Jesus.” This salvation is one message for all men.

The mission assigned to us is to proclaim this “Good News” in every inhabited corner of the planet. Its completion 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, and sin, disease, and death will be eliminated forever. This grand victory will coincide with the “arrival” of Jesus in power when he resurrects the dead, vanquishes “Death,” rewards his faithful followers, judges the wicked, and ushers in the reign of God in all its fullness - (1 Corinthians 15:20-28, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).

In the meantime, his people are called to proclaim his Glad Tidings about the Kingdom of God “to the ends of the Earth.” Everyone who hears and responds with faith will receive the forgiveness of sins, salvation, and everlasting life in the coming New Creation.

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SEE ALSO:

• Salvation for All - (The Good News announced by Jesus of Nazareth offers salvation and life to men and women of every nation and people)

• The Age of Salvation - (Jesus announced the salvation of God offered to men and women of every nation, marking the commencement of the Age of Salvation)

• Call His Name Jesus - (Jesus means ‘Yahweh saves.’ In the man from Nazareth, the salvation promised by the God of Israel has arrived in all its glory)