The word gospel meaning "good news" is first used in the Hebrew Bible known as TaNaCH, also popularly known as the Old Testament. However, many refer to it as the First Testament because the "good news" of G-d's kingdom described in the Hebrew Bible was the same message first century Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) and the earliest Jewish people accepting Yeshua as the Messiah affirmed, taught, and proclaimed. In fact, it is the same message the Gentiles embracing the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel) through Yeshua affirmed as revealed in the New Testament. The Gospel of the Kingdom of G-d entails G-d entering into the context of a broken world among the fallen human race plagued by sin in order to AGAIN bring them the life and blessings of His kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven" through Messiah Yeshua (Jesus in English)-The Unique Son of G-d.
It might be hard to perceive such a message as "good news" having been born into a context of a broken world where we have always experienced the effects of sin. If G-d has always been non-transcendant in your experience it may be difficult to believe He desires fellowship with you, or to perceive Him in any other way. But, it wasn't always that way. You see, in the beginning of time as we understand it to be Great Jehovah G-d created a man and a woman, placed them in a context free from sin/death "on earth as it is in heaven," and gave them a choice to persevere by grace through faith in accordance with his expressed will or not in accordance with his permissive will. For those being taught it a myth or mere allegorical device, the Adam and Eve account was affirmed by Yeshua, or Jesus (Mark 10:6), and Paul (Acts 17:26). Adam and Eve could have continued to experience life on earth as it is in a heaven absent from sin/death under G-d's kingship enjoying unique fellowship with God, or not. G-d tabernacled, or walked with Adam and Eve enjoying intimate friendship with them according to the Hebrew Bible; not just the New Testament. They were not naked before sin entered for they were clothed in the glory of G-d; nor did they experience the problems associated with sin and/or the effects of sin humanity now faces daily in the beginning. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve chose the latter forfeiting their authority and dominion in the Earth when they yielded to the temptation to disbelieve G-d by believing the fallen angel satan who manifested to them as the garden serpent instead. Adam and Eve's unbelief was demonstrated or confirmed in their acts of rebellion against G-d, and resulted in more than losing their intended authority/dominion in the Earth under G-d's kingship.
Something else occurred when Adam and Eve disbelieved, and rebelled by missing the mark. A wedge because of sin came between them and Holy G-d, and the manifest life-glory of G-d departed. G-d did not cease in being all powerful, He was still everywhere present, but they were separated from G-d in a way unlike before due to this driving wedge of unresolved sin now coming between them. They no longer walked with G-d in the garden as described in Genesis. The intimacy they once enjoyed with G-d became non-transcendant, distant, and increasingly heady. For the first time Adam and Eve were truly naked, ashamed, alone, and felt forsaken as a result of sin.
The mind, body, soul of individuals making up communities of people, nations and the creation itself became tainted by sickness and disease unto death in the absence of the manifest life-glory presence of God whereby people and things physically digress and die. Love for G-d and one another grew colder. The heart became hardened, and the righteousness of the best among men plagued by sin is considered as used minstrel cloths according to the Hebrew Bible in agreement with the New Testament writings. When Adam and Eve fell away into sin they and their descendants were hopeless APART FROM G-D's REDEEMING INITIATIVES, and in dire straits when their eternal souls separated from their physical bodies that expired in death.
A comparison of garden life before and after transgression with these adverse effects on all levels coming with the entrance of sin help us understand, at least in part, the impact of "sin" and its nature. Even so, we can make real world connections in our own experience regarding the adversity associated with sin relative to what the the Holy Bible teaches. So many of the occupations today have to do with coping/managing problems on every level resulting from sin-occupations that did not exist until the entrance of sin. Sin ends in a harvest of death on all levels, which is important in order for us to realize that sin in us as individuals had to be dealt with as much as the sin in the world without us. It is a truly complex problem that humans, although working hard in many cases to regulate, can not solve. Yet, G-d did not leave Adam and Eve, their offspring, and His creation in sin with out hope as recorded/preserved in G-d's Holy Book-The Holy Bible. Jehovah-G-d presented the good news that he would provide redemption for those under the curse of sin. Not only that, G-d would redeem/restore all things that fell under sin's curse progressively and completely in the end of things, and ultimately by crushing the devil and all he represents under the heel of a unique One that would come from both G-d on the one hand AND come from the seed of the woman on the other (born from Eve's descendants)-The Messiah, or Anointed One.
G-d Himself promised to tabernacle or dwell among mankind again as Immanuel (G-d with us) in order to save his people, Jews and Gentiles, from their sins by providing the ONLY means for separating mankind from their sin to be holy and blameless in His sight AND by providing the ONLY empowering means to be His kingdom people as intended in accordance with His expressed will on earth as it is in heaven appropriated by grace through faith in the New Covenant cut in His blood. Crooked paths continue to be made straight on all levels, and will be fully realized when Messiah Yeshua returns ushering in the final consummation of the kingdom of G-d. Those identifying with the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob through Messiah Yeshua in New Covenant hopes have the awesome privilege of partnering with Him in this endeavor as members of His collective body.
The ONLY basis and provisional means for the redemption of mind, body, soul, and even creation is the substitutionary life, death, resurrection and ongoing eternal High Priesthood of Yeshua the Messiah. Our sin unto death was placed upon Yeshua once for all who will receive it by grace through faith in Him alone. He is the ONLY way to the G-d the Father. It is indeed finished in terms of Yeshua's one time sacrifice for sin being sufficient, and upon which all other aspects of redemption are predicated upon. One day redemption of all things will be realized and complete. Some fail to perceive this progress of TOTAL redemption for various reasons. In fact, this progress of redemption, or the good news of G-d's kingdom is revealed from Genesis 3:15 in the TaNaCH to Revelation 22 in the New Testament with remarkable unity. There is nothing simple about this, but it's the way it is as revealed in the Holy Bible-God's Holy Book.
The incarnation of G-d in the Messiah itself is "good news," and central to the Biblical gospel before (Gen 3:15), during (John 1:1, 14), and after historical Jesus for it was the means of G-d entering into the context of a broken world among the fallen human race plagued by sin in order to AGAIN bring them the life and blessings of G-d's kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven". However, reconciling the concept of a "Son of David" (Eve's descendants) and "Unique Son of G-d" (deity) in one human being (deity incarnate) has challenged the thinking of many looking forward to this promise of messianic visitation/fulfillment before historical Jesus of Nazareth. In fact, many did not recognize the time of their first Messianic visitation-33AD as many first century and many subsequent generations of Jewish people could not perceive a suffering servant Messiah that avoided prospects of military resistance against the occupying authorities during that period, namely Rome. There was no global peace, and the lion did not lay down with the lamb. Yet, Daniel 9:24-26, Nehemiah 2:8, Isaiah 53 clearly pinpoint the appearing of a suffering-servant Messiah who would be cut off for the transgression of the people after the temple destroyed in 586 by the Babylonians was rebuilt and before what became known as Herod's temple was destroyed. Click here for a more thorough explanation in historical and biblical context.
Therefore, the Messiah had to appear by 70. But, there is further clarification in the TaNaCH regarding Messiah's two advents. The Jewish seven-year feast cycle rotations from the 445 BC decree to rebuild Jerusalem, AND the number lunar years from the 445 BC decree to rebuild Jerusalem, AND even the number of days from the 445 BC decree to rebuild Jerusalem to Messiah's appearing ALL indicated this suffering servant Messiah would be cut off in death 33 AD on the Eve of Passover in April/Nissan in accordance with Daniel's writings already in wide circulation throughout the known world and that predate historical Yeshua by several centuries. That narrows the possible candidates down to one historical person that had to also be a descendant of King David from Judah, born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth, rejected by his own, and cut off in death to fulfil these very Hebrew scriptures. He was and is Yeshua, or Jesus the Jewish Messiah for the nations. Many did not perceive the progressive nature of the Gospel of the Kingdom of G-d, and the necessity for a suffering servant Messiah for the nations in which all Jewish Old Testament festivals, symbols, and types point/pointed (cf. Isaiah 11:10). Sin in us as individuals had to be dealt with as much as the sin in the world without us. In either case, Yeshua's substitution made separating sin from the sinner possible for the purpose of presenting those receiving it by grace through faith in Yeshua alone holy and blameless in G-d's sight also empowering them to be a redeemed people of G-d under His kingship in His coming kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
Jews and those identifying with the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob thorough Yeshua as recorded in the New Testament writings looked forward to a messianic government in which the "Lion would lay down with the lamb." However, the notion of a global messianic government coming from heaven in lieu of the existing Roman government was not popular before or EVEN AFTER emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire AD 325; nor was it popular among those influential protestant reformers who were anti-semetic. Moreover, the literal fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies predating historical Yeshua/Jesus connected to and coming before messianic rule on earth could be accomplished in accordance with G-d's literal declarations as preserved in the Holy Bible seemed to be nowhere in sight until recently. But, that quickly changed with the circumstances prompting the re gathering of Jews dispersed throughout the world to their homeland and the establishment of the state of Israel as a nation in a day (1948)-not to mention technical advancements such as the invention of the transistor in the same year leading to the integrated circuit chip a decade later that made mass communication and other innovations in real time possible. For such reasons, ancient Biblical prophesies pertaining to the gospel of the kingdom message whereby Messiah appears to establish his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven predicated upon the prior fulfillment of his suffering-servant role, while remaining the same in the Bible itself, has often been allegorized when interpreted by Gentiles having messianic hope. On the other hand, the literal fulfillment of the suffering-servant prophesies by Messiah, while remaining in-tact in the same Bible and predating historical Yeshua/Jesus, have often been allegorized when interpreted by Jews anticipating Messianic rule on earth even though the gospel was preached to them before (Cf. Heb 4:2). Many first century Jews did not perceive a suffering servant that avoided prospects of military resistance against the occupying authorities, namely Rome . In either case, the gospel of the kingdom of G-d message proclaimed before, during, and after historical first century Jesus as recorded in the Holy Bible describes the means of reconciliation between Holy G-d and sinful man, the means freeing man to overcome the power of sin on a personal level, the empowering means for reflecting God's character, the means to serve each other and the one true and living G-d in a corrupt world, and also presents it as the basis for bringing "all things in heaven and on earth under one head-Christ Jesus." All of this was/is predicated on Messiah Yeshua's redemptive self-sacrifice AD 33 in ultimate fulfillment of the Genesis 3:15 covenant declaration to be fully realized on earth as it is in heaven with his second coming literally.
Messiah Yeshua will indeed return soon as the great and everlasting Davidic king in order to usher in a universal millennial kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven" whereby the redeemed of G-d, Jew and Gentile forming one new man in Messiah Yeshua, reign as joint-heirs over creation and kingdoms with the Messiah from Jerusalem (Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:27; Rev 11:15). However, Jesus explained his second advent would be preceded in the latter days by a false assumed messiah appearing as a world problem solver at a time when global solutions are needed and people are looking for global leadership, deceiving many, and ultimately leading those attracted and pledging their allegiance to him away from the one true G-d of the Bible unto damnation. Moreover, the Bible indicates this false messiah would present himself as fulfilling the messianic suffering servant passages, that were already fulfilled by Jesus in 33 AD, concurrently as this counterfeit crushes opposition to him under the pretence of being a world savior saving the world. Only Messiah Jesus/Yeshua can bring the life and blessings of His kingdom uncharacteristic of a sinful world and fallen man, and His arrival will be clearly evident. In fact, Jesus forewarned saying, "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; do not believe it. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, [he is] in the secret chambers; believe [it] not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be" (Matthew 24).
So, Yeshua warned that false Messiahs would appear making messianic claims, but Yeshua' made it clear that "This Gospel of the kingdom" of G-d will be preached to every people group before he would return in undisputed and unquestionable glory to inaugurate messianic rule on earth as it is in heaven. "Then the end will come" according to Jesus/Yeshua' (Matthew 24:14). That is why the word "gospel" should not be divorced from "the kingdom of G-d" for the two are linked together throughout the Old and New Testaments to describe G-d saving people from the power/penalty of sin/hell for the purpose of creating one people of G-d, consisting of a remnant of redeemed Jewish and Gentile individuals, unto eternal life and to inherit the kingdom of G-d "on earth as it is in heaven." He is redeeming people and will redeem the Earth from the power, penalty, and presence of sin on all levels! One making the resolution to search for this Gospel of the Kingdom of G-d connection between the TaNaCH called Old Testament by Gentiles, the first century life and ministry of Yeshua/Jesus, and the early followers as recorded in the New Testament will note continuity.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of G-d is multi-dimensional in its scope. On the personal level, all are guilty of sin to different extents, stand condemned under the penalty for sin, and are hopeless apart from G-d's means and provision for redemption through Messiah Yeshua/Jesus. God loves you, wants to reign in your life providing you with love and peace that passes all understanding, for you to inherit eternal life, and for you to appropriate the kingdom of G-d on a sin-tainted earth as it is in a sinless heaven. Ultimately, He will be the one to inaugurate TOTALLY the kingdom of G-d on earth as it is in heaven. And, as stated above, Yeshua/Jesus made it clear his second visitation, or coming would be undisputed and clear to all unlike the false messiahs Jesus said would come before His return. In the mean time, G-d also has a unique purpose for you, and wants to empower you in partnership with Him in the ministry of reconciliation in accordance with the Gospel of the Kingdom of G-d to bring the life and blessings of his kingdom to others through you, in part, and through others, in part, who truly identify/follow Him. Yeshua (Jesus), meaning "G-d saves," taught the good news of the kingdom of G-d healing, breaking the curses associated with demonic covenants, and cast demons out of the afflicted destroying the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). An example of the gospel of the kingdom of God coming upon a "daughter of Abraham" on a personal level occurred when Jesus cast out the spirit of infirmity healing her (Luke 13:10-16; cf. Romans 4:16-18, Galatians 3:7, 3:29).
God came in flesh to save completely past, present, and future-All predicated upon G-d's love demonstrated for each one of us in Jesus' redemptive death, resurrection and His eternal, and therefore, ongoing and effective messianic Priesthood in the order of Melchizadek-an order the Bible itself reserves exclusive for Messiah Yeshua/Jesus. Indeed, the gospel is today what it was during the first century; "The power of God unto salvation" (Rom 1:16): The power to be and do what G-d would have those embracing this gospel of the kingdom, and in particular His unique Son Yeshua, be and do. You can be free, experience peace and intimacy with God. Through Jesus you are given the right to be son/daughter of God, and part of the overall family of G-d made up of redeemed people represented by all people groups in Messiah Jesus/Yeshua. During the interim following Jesus' ascension in 33AD and before his imminent second coming you can also be used by Jehovah G-d and Heavenly Father to bring a little bit of heaven to earth (be a channel of blessing). Indeed the gospel of the kingdom of G-d is comprehensive, and predicated upon Jesus' redemptive death/resurrection. This page provides an overview of that all-encompasing message, and supports this summary.
Abundant Life By Design: God's Expressed Will
The one and only eternal (past, present, & future), holy, true and living G-d created the framework of time, created man and woman and placed them in that framework, and transcended eternity to have unique fellowship with his people. This one holy G-d also created mankind with the purpose of having dominion over His creation and to mutually serve one another under His kingship based upon the principle of agape love. It was abundant life by design, and good. However, in carefully reading the first book of the the Old Testament, Genesis, one will note the relationship between G-d's expressed will, and his permissive will in establishing such a context in the beginning of time in human reckoning. For example, the first people on earth, Adam and Eve, were created with a mind, body, and soul that was/is eternal in nature. G-d's expressed will was that Adam and Eve's mind, body, and soul would live forever, and not die. Moreover, G-d's expressed will was that Adam and Eve would reproduce after their kind, and enjoy an abundant life free of the pain, misery, and suffering characteristic of our contemporary context. However, G-d's permissive will made provision for Adam and Eve to to believe, or not believe; to choose or not to choose to abide in G-d's word by grace through faith. It wasn't that G-d was incapable of programming man to always choose what is righteous in His eyes; nor was G-d incapable of only providing choices limited to that which is holy and righteous. Instead, while G-d himself does no evil, he created the capacity for evil for this very purpose. With it, he gave Adam and Eve free will, a real choice between G-d's expressed will and permissive will, and outlined the consequences. It was not that G-d was putting forth an egocentric ultimatum"If you don't do what I say I will kill you." Rather, it was that choosing to disobey the specified boundaries established for our good as designed by the G-d of light and love would lead to darkness and death consequently. I remember telling my son, "Son. Don't stick the keys in the electrical outlet;" not because I was going to electrocute him, but because he would get electrocuted! It was G-d's expressed will for there to be no sickness, disease, and suffering verified in the context of the Garden of Eden where none of these things reigned. G-d's creation was abundant life by design, and as long as Adam and Eve persevered within the boundaries of G-d's expressed will in faith motivated by love they would continue to enjoy this unique fellowship with G-d, continue to exercise dominion over His creation, and enjoy abundant life under G-d's kingship where they were allowed to eat from the tree of life located in the Garden of Eden never to die (mind, soul, and body). Thus, Adam and Eve had real choices with real consequences and were to live by free-will faith. G-d said, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die" (Genesis 2:16).
The Fall of Man: God's Permissive Will
In this context extrapolated from Genesis it is clear that the distinction between G-d's expressed will and His permissive will is not perceived, perhaps ignored or suppressed, by those resenting any notion of accountability to a Holy God in their lives today under the pretence that embracing this Holy G-d leads one away from truly enjoying an abundant life found in themselves and independent from G-d. There is really nothing new "under the sun" for such a notion was first introduced to Adam and Eve by Satan who said, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden?' . . . You will not surely die. For G-d knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like G-d, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:1-5). Not only is the integrity of G-d's word challenged, but the devil cites G-d out of context implying G-d was withholding true abundant life under the false pretence of being "like G-d," and by implication becoming a god. The devil was redirecting their focus from the one true G-d to themselves. Adam and Eve believed the lie, and rebelled against G-d. Immediately after rebelling Adam and Eve hid from G-d for they could no longer bare to be in his manifest holy presence in their sin. And while G-d was able to keep Adam and Eve from falling away, He honored their unbelief confirmed by their disobedience of his expressed will and the resulting consequences in accordance with his permissive will. As a result, Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, and the tree of life. And while they were not separated from G-d's omnipresence in the general sense, they were nevertheless separated from the tangible manifest presence of God no longer to enjoy the degree of communion they once shared in the garden of Eden. It is important to realize that unbelief leading away from G-d and his Word as indeed preserved in the Holy Bible unto disobedience of G-d's expressed will not only sums up the Biblical concept of sin, but brought physical death (separation of eternal soul from body) as well as spiritual death (eternal separation of eternal soul from eternal G-d). While people today are born into a context outside of the Garden of Eden it is difficult for us to appreciate the gravity of the situation until we physically die. For Adam and Eve there was a stark difference in life before and after life in the garden. And, life outside the garden was not characterized by abundant life; nor did they become like G-d! It brought sin, decay and death upon Adam, Eve, and all mankind.
The Effects of the Fall of Man: God's Permissive Will
Interestingly, genetics, the laws of conservation and deterioration are among evidence of man's general observation of creation by design and/or the consequences resulting from the fall of man. For example, the Bible informs us G-d finished his work of creation, and we know no new energy is being created. We also know everything in creation wears out and/or dies. That wasn't the case originally. Adam and Eve, who were created to live forever in their physical bodies free from sin and its effects, were now in a process of a life cycle leading to physical death. No longer did the "lion lie down with the lamb." It became survival of the fittest. And, they found themselves in a context where sweat, poverty, sickness, disease, and pain was part of living in a fallen world effected by sin. Moreover, sin corrupted the human heart, seared the conscience, impaired human judgment and became an inherent part of the human nature as a result of this fall. Man now has a tenancy to sin against their own bodies, the creation, and others to different extents on the human level. Envy, malice, slander, lust, murder, hatred, ingesting harmful substances and the like were not characteristic; nor was sin an inherent motivating factor for mankind to act in the garden where life was truly abundant and whole. Now they were. Hence, law and Education is very important in revealing unrighteousness that flows from the heart demonstrated in sinful behavior, and in an effort to curve sin's expressions by protecting sinful man from one another. Even so, history shows that these things alone do not irradicate the very source of the sinful drive inherent with the human nature motivating man; nor do they provide the transforming power to overcome sin on the personal level. Where is the hope?
Even the tremendous accomplishments of man has not changed sin's propensity in the human heart characteristic of the fallen human nature. Technology, while amoral and good when used rightly, has not solved this inherent problem in the heart of man; It has simply made us more sophisticated in sin's expressions where technology applications are used for sinful purposes. Religion in and of itself does not do away with the problem of sin in the human heart either. Ironically, the results of sin has/is in many instances demonstrated under the pretence of religion, and in contradiction to G-d's expressed will as presented in the Holy Bible. For example, while stopping a heartbeat is generally considered murder in the Bible, the Bible does not endorse bombing abortion clinics. However, the Bible does teach to be angry about sin, but sin not. Indeed we need to educate the mind, and we need to educate the heart in a fallen-world plagued by sin. We need constraints in the form of laws and consequences that are anchored in a moral absolute; not sails blown by the wind of the prevailing situational ethic. But, we also need inherent empowerment to overcome the sin in the human heart for we are incapable of freeing ourselves from its power, and our depravity.
Sin does not lead to abundant life; it leads to a seared conscience, a hardened heart and death. Moreover, we don't sin alone in that individual choices that are sinful very often impacts others. A dramatic and obvious example would be one getting drunk in contradiction to G-d's expressed will, driving under the influence of alcohol, and hitting a bystander. Less dramatic examples are more subtle, but with the same culminating effect unchecked. Relationships are destroyed, families destroyed, the creation destroyed, and man, the very image of G-d, is marred by sin. In fact, individual instances where one entertains sin have been referred to as a "dose of death." All mankind struggles with inherent sin, are guilty of sin from varying degrees, is impacted by its effects, and will die-"It appointed for man to die once then the judgment." And while all mankind is now appointed to physically die at the appointed time as a result of sin, their soul continues to exist in their eternal state separated from G-d by their sin. Where is the eternal inhabitation for the eternal souls who separate from their physical bodies that die?
A Real Devil, A literal Place of Eternal Conscious Torment: God's Permissive Will & Not His Expressed Will
Jesus said he saw satan, a third of the angels with him written elsewhere, being thrown out of heaven like the flash of lightning. While the Genesis account does not elaborate on the devil's motivation in usurping man's authority in the Garden of Eden, the Bible elsewhere informs the reader the fallen angel's goal has been to assert himself above G-d. Man is intended to have authority, only second to G-d, over angels and the creation. Moreover, the Bible reveals the devil hates all people, even those choosing to reject G-d, simply because people were made in G-d's image. However, my study of the scripture does not support the notion that the devil is the boss of hell harvesting souls for the purpose of working cooperatively with G-d in punishing sinners. Rather, hell was originally prepared for the devil, other fallen angels, and it is G-d's expressed will that no human dwell there. Moreover, the devil, or satan will be boss of nothing when G-d's sentence of eternal damnation upon him is executed whereby he will be bound in hell in the end of things. Hell is total absence of anything good, and therefore, absent of G-d. Hell is the antithesis of the light of love and life. Like maggots that feed off dead flesh, the Bible reveals an everlasting state of death where the fire does not go out and the worm does not die. It also bares out that hell is G-d honoring man's choice to reject him totally ultimately. It seems to me, therefore, the devil's primary objective in leading people astray is to preserve himself by attempting to prevent the fulfillment of G-d's will and covenants ultimately ending in the devil being crushed. My studies also indicate, however, the devil finds immence satisfaction in leading people made in G-d's very image away from the God that loves them unto eternal damnation for the sake of hurting G-d. Its the picture of me, although I am not G-d, telling my son not to stick the keys into the electrical outlet (not because I am going to electrocute him, but because he will get electrocuted), and then someone comes along who hates me, and detests my son who is in my image, and deceives my son into believing his father is nothing more than a heavy-handed tyrant trying to keep him from something worthwhile and my son believes the lie and gets badly hurt. Its the picture of a drug dealer presenting himself/herself as a friend "caring for you," "helping you" and meeting your need by peddling poison that only ends in ruin. Its the picture of the devil talking Adam/Eve into forfeiting their God-given chair to sit in a broken chair of humanism (you are god), and subsequently smashing it over their heads after collapsing. No wonder, this fallen angelic being is also called "The father of lies" elsewhere in the Holy Bible. Throughout the Bible, the devil intentionally appeals to the lust of the eye, the pride of man, and vain power using a variety of means that are highly tempting to the sinful nature in order to sway man from the Creator leading one to submit knowingly or unknowingly under the devil's authority, down the path of self-destruction, and ultimately unto eternal damnation; primarily in efforts of self-preservation, and also for the sheer enjoyment of hurting G-d by destroying those he loves. When Adam and Eve sinned they were deceived into forfeiting their high destiny in G-d, and put themselves and their descendants under the authority of the devil; sin and death. All of this is bad news for the person (mind, body and soul) that is guilty of sin, and it posed a real dilemma even for G-d in terms of reconciling his permissive will and his expressed will without compromising either. Nevertheless, all things are possible for G-d!
The Dilemma: Reconciling God's Permissive Will & God's Expressed Will
Adam and Eve entertaining the devil's temptation would seem to be a decisive victory that could not be reversed, and or redeemed even by Holy God. On one hand, Adam and Eve were separated from G-d by their sin through disobedience as the devil was thrust out of the presence of God for rebellion (Isaiah 59:1-4). This is bad news for all mankind are guilty of sin from varying degrees and indeed stand condemned already, except for Christ Jesus. On the other hand, G-d said man would have dominion over his creation; that He would be their G-d, and they would be his people forever, and based upon mutual agape love relationship demonstrated in faith unto free-will obedience. Not only did man stand condemned, but the devil now had dominion that was intended for man by G-d. Moreover, G-d failing to accomplish His own Word at any point would make G-d a liar. The Bible teaches emphatically that it is impossible for God to lie, and that he is not fickle like man in this regard. Thus, the fall of man seemed to be a dilemma that could not be reconciled-a decisive victory of satan over God, his plans, and purposes for his people. What is G-d's remedy, then? How does he plan on making it possible for all mankind, if they will, to be reconciled to Him while at the same time continuing to honor the decision of those who will not be reconciled to G-d in accordance with his permissible will, crushing the devil decisively, and bringing his expressed will to pass in the context of a sinful post garden context?
This dilemma was/is bad news for Adam and Eve, and their descendants, and prompted G-d to make the first covenant/promise of redemption and restoration reconciling his expressed will with his permissive will without compromising either. God stated, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head,and you will bruise his heal" (Genesis 3:15). This holy One coming from G-d through the "seed of woman" is identified as "He," and would suffer in opposition to those forces exercising influence/control over the fallen world and flesh, but would ultimately crush the devil, and the devil's "offspring" bringing restoration of all things lost in the Garden of Eden with the fall of man. Eve seemed to understand that she would give birth to a child who would crush the devil in her lifetime(cf. Gen 4:25; Midrash Rabbah Genesis 23:5). However, neither Adam and Eve, nor the devil understood the timing and circumstances of fulfillment as it was not revealed at the time of G-d's pronouncement in this Genesis account. Hence, the fallen angel known as the devil, or Satan has not only sought to steal, but to kill and destroy this seed beginning with Eve's children to the present "children of promise" in relentless efforts to thwart G-d's covenant purposes as history attests; particularly among the Jewish people and those Gentiles closely identifying with G-d in covenant hope. Nevertheless, God is always well ahead of the devil providentially reasserting this promise with people he chose, and identified in future generations as "the seed:" naturally and spiritually. Along the way G-d provides more insight into the redemption of sinful man, reconciliation between God and man characteristic of pre-fall communion, a restored creation typical of the pre fall conditions in the Garden of Eden, and how the devil would be "crushed" decisively. It is noteworthy that it is G-d alone Who initiates and can accomplish this comprehensive restoration; "I will put enmity between you and the woman. . . " Therefore, one will note three strands of divine initiative integrality weaved together as recorded in Genesis and subsequently revealed throughout the Holy Bible as G-d's progresses of redemption: Covenant, atonement, and the seed of the woman-The Messiah.
The Biblical Continuity: The Gospel of the Kingdom of God
The reason Jesus was sent from heaven, took on flesh, and dwelled with mankind during the first century was to fulfill that Genesis 3:15 gospel of the kingdom declaration to redeem, restore and reconcile fallen man with the Great Jehovah G-d (Who Is eternal Father, Son/Word, and Holy Spirit) through his death/blood giving those trusting Him eternal life. Deity incarnate, or becoming the seed of the woman is one of the many ways Jesus is unique. In addition to redemption and reconciliation, Jesus also came to bring those embracing/obeying His Gospel of the kingdom message by grace through faith the life and blessings of his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven now in part, and totally during the final consummation"when perfection comes." He will ultimately crush the devil and those in opposition to His kingdom, and establish a universal messianic rule on earth in the end of things as we know it.
Unfortunately, many of those looking forward to this messianic rule in the first century misunderstood the times and seasons presented by the prophets predating historical Jesus; There were to be two messianic visitations. Messiah would first come in a suffering-servant role proclaiming favor, make atonement, and be resurrected. There would be an intermediary period (which is now) leading unto a global false messiah, and then the return of Jesus/final consummation. Isaiah was not as clear as the prophet Daniel in making this distinction. Nevertheless, this was the theme of Jesus' message (Luke 4:43), and it was a full gospel all predicated upon Messiah's ransom for sinners. He was "Heaven in the real world" as we now know it to be (Steven Curtis Chapman) declaring, AND demonstrating the good news of the kingdom of God (Matthew 4:17, 23; Mark 1:14; Luke 8:1). In fact, Jesus Himself not only attributed Isaiah's use of the term good news, or gospel to himself saying, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Isaiah 61:1-2a; Luke 4:18-21). But, he DEMONSTRATED it by preaching to the poor, binding up the broken hearted, setting people free, and proclaiming the year of the Lord's favor. He was/is controversial accused of being a drunkard (perhaps because people he hang out with drank alcoholic grape juice), and a whore monger for allowing another controversial person (a prostitute) to wipe his feet with her hair. You have to read about it in the New Testament yourself!
In the case of proclaiming the year of the Lord's favor, Jesus quoted the prophet Daniel three times in showing prophetic continuity between himself and his already/not yet Gospel of the kingdom message. This is significant because Jesus/Yeshua' lived on earth 5-7 centuries after these prophets, and met each criteria Jesus was the suffering servant in Isaiah 53; a section often skipped due to the striking parallels to historical first century Yeshua' (Jesus). He is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! It is also interesting that the term gospel is connected with "the kingdom of G-d " throughout the New Testament in over fifty verses, and Jesus' parables often illustrated characteristics of the good news of G-d's kingdom in "already/not yet" terms (Matthew 13, 20, 22, 25; Luke 13, 19). For example, the good news of the kingdom of G-d was already in their midst when Jesus appropriated the gospel of the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven as he went about destroying the works of the devil in his servant role as a man under the law (Philippians 2, Galatians 4:4-6). Yet, he did not usher in universal messianic rule at that time. The gospel of the kingdom of God was "already" in their midst in the sense of establishing messianic rule in part (like liberating a person in bondage), but not yet fully realized in the sense of dissolving all governments and establishing messianic rule in political terms (Hebrews 2:8; cf. Genesis 3:15, Ephesians 1:22 & Romans 16:22).
It is noteworthy that people do not need to be liberated from sin's effects, demonic influence or be healed "by his stripes" in heaven- In other words, the Bible indicates there is no sin, sickness, or death in heaven. This is why, in part, Jesus instructed those following him to pray for God's kingdom to come "on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10)-to loose/bind on earth what is already loosed/bound in heaven. Moreover, appropriating abundant life in this present world system now can only be realized when prioritizing first the pursuit of the kingdom of God (Cf. Matthew 6:33), which is closely connected with the gospel. Jesus also sent his followers out with the same "already/not yet" gospel of the kingdom message/demonstration before (Luke 9:1-2), and after his death/resurrection by instructing his followers to teach "them" (those who would embrace the gospel message through their witness) "everything I have commanded you" (those Jesus personally discipled)-(Matthew 28:20). Does "everything" leave anything out? This illustrates a current gospel of the kingdom dynamic to be appropriated by faith on earth as it is in heaven prior to the final consummation of G-d's kingdom associated with the second coming of Jesus (Cf. Daniel 7:27).
Summation
In its day the Titanic was considered one of the pinnacles of human ingenuity. In spite of its grandeur, it collided with an ice-burg off the coast of Newfoundland . There was no doubt about it; the ship was sinking. Yet, people were still carrying-on. Some of them were in denial. Some of them were oblivious. Some raising questions initially were unaware of the seriousness, and being assured all was under control by the ship's crew who knew otherwise. Music was playing. People were drinking, socially engaged, and oblivious to the magnitude of their situation until the final moments. And, unfortunately there were not enough life boats. It was pointed out by someone else that many jumping off and who stayed close to the ship were pulled under by the suction of this sinking ship. The Bible teaches that all mankind is on the sinking ship of sin. Unfortunately, many are unaware of its end, and/or are being assured all is well by those in the same boat. Worse yet, are those who do know, but are under the delusion that they may persist in rebellion like everyone else-that G-d will let them in His holy city. Rebellion, especially willful rebellion is akin to witchcraft according to the Holy Bible. The things in opposition to God's expressed will do not give one abundant life; nor do they provide peace of mind in this life or after physical death. The good news is that God provided one life boat that is fitted for the purpose of rescuing man-JESUS, or Yeshua-The Jewish Messiah for the Nations. Jesus will not turn away anyone who calls on him for salvation by making the exchange of their unrighteousness with his righteousness by grace through faith made possible by Jesus' vicarious death on the cross and resurrection, turn from their sin in repentance, and faithfully trust Him alone as the Captain of their soul and redeemer. The Messiah will return very soon! As it is written: "On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand." RU Ready? Are you trusting totally upon the Messiah Jesus.
Indeed, through the Jewish Messiah Yeshua all nations will be blessed. Messiah will return as the great and everlasting Davidic king in order to usher in a universal millennial kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven" whereby the redeemed of God reign as joint-heirs over creation and kingdoms with the Messiah from Jerusalem (Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:27; Rev 11:15). Messiah is coming very, very soon! Therefore, the word "gospel" should not be divorced from "the kingdom of God" for the two are linked together throughout the TaNaCH, or so-called Old Testament and the New Testament, and predicated upon Messiah Yeshua's substitutionary death, burial, resurrection, and current intercession as High Priest in the order of Melchizedek in the Heavenly Holy of Holies. These issues are explained in greater detail for your information, and including references for verification in this site accessed here.
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Textual History The notion that the gospel "according to Matthew," "According to Luke," "According to Mark," and "According to John" are four different gospels is false for they are actually "four testimonies to one gospel story, one saving message" in accordance with the term's use in the Old Testament predating historical Jesus. Moreover, in the ancient manuscripts these four accounts were originally regarded as a single work with the heading, "The Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John." A less than superficial analysis of the four gospel accounts in the New Testament reveals that each presents Jesus as the promised seed of Abraham in whom all nations would be blessed, born of a woman, born under the law to redeem those under the curse of the law and from sin and death-"cut off to make an end of transgression." Jesus' teachings of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God as recorded in the New Testament are in harmony with the Old Testament concept, and the relationship between the Messiah's suffering servant role after the temple was rebuilt and before its destruction in 70AD and the gospel were fulfilled by Yeshua's, or Jesus' unique life and ministry (32 AD). All other books/epistles included in the New Testament that follow historical Jesus the man use the term gospel as it is presented in the Old Testament, Jesus' proclamation and demonstration of the term during his ministry on earth, and even defines the term warning against embracing another gospel not in harmony with the gospel Christ's apostles received/passed down. There are centuries of harmony regarding the gospel in that the Holy Bible was penned by forty different writers spanning three continents over a fifteen hundred year period. Thus, the entire Bible is about the gospel of the kingdom of God, or "good news" which becomes very apparent in contrast to the only alternative-eternal separation from all that is good in a literal hell (cf. Daniel 12:2).