WHAT IS THE NEW TESTAMENT GOSPEL?

This article examines the meaning and usage of the term "gospel" (Greek: euangelion) in the New Testament (NT), arguing that it does not exclusively refer to the "saving message" or the message one must believe to be born again. Instead, the NT presents multiple distinct "gospels," including Christian ministry (evangelism and discipleship), the gospel of the kingdom (the good news that the kingdom of God was near for Israel), justification by faith alone, the gospel concerning the Rapture and judgment, the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the Church, and the "everlasting gospel" of coming judgment. The article highlights that the Gospel of John, the NT’s primary evangelistic book, does not use the word gospel to describe the message of eternal life; rather, it calls for faith directly in Jesus Christ. The author emphasizes the importance of clearly understanding which gospel is in view to effectively communicate the message of salvation and avoid confusion in evangelism and discipleship.