Today I ask that we consider what is meant when the Bible makes references to the “good news.” What exactly is that?
The Gospel according to Mark introduces itself with this phrase “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ…” Gospel is another word for “good news.” Mark could have said, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ…” It all means the same thing.
In Mark the beginning of the gospel is marked by John the Baptizer coming out of the desert preaching a baptism for repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Baptism did not forgive the sins. It simply meant that the person being baptized truly repented of their sins and sought forgiveness.
John was arrested by the authorities because he offended them. Shortly after his arrest, Mark tells us that “… Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” The phrase “come near” can also be translated as “at hand.” The kingdom of God was at hand. Both mean the same thing. Read more…