Bible Study Course: Lesson 6 - What Is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God?
The Gospel Jesus Taught
What was the main theme of Christ's message?
"Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching
the gospel of the kingdom of God" (Mark 1:14).
"Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city
and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God.
And the twelve were with Him" (Luke 8:1).
From the beginning of Christ's earthly ministry, He focused on the Kingdom
of God. He was continuing the message proclaimed by Daniel and the other prophets.
Throughout His ministry He repeatedly used the words king and kingdom to explain
the good news He preached (see "The Kingdom in the Gospels," page
8).
What other theme was prominent in Christ preaching?
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent,
and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15; compare Matthew 9:13).
Jesus taught that no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he repents: "Not
everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but
he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day,
'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name,
and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never
knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" (Matthew 7:21-23;
compare Matthew 19:16-17; 1 John 2:4).
Obeying Jesus Christ is different from simply believing in Him. Submitting
to God's will requires a change of heart. It means we come to trust God and
willingly repent of sin, which is lawlessness (1 John 3:4), the breaking of
God's law. Here is where many sincere people misunderstand not only the gospel
but what one must do to enter God's Kingdom and receive His gift of eternal
life.
Our faith in God and in the reliability of His promises must lead to a life
of active obedience. Otherwise our faith is dead and useless (James 2:26).
What did Jesus say is necessary for someone to enter God's Kingdom
and receive eternal life?
". . . One came and said to Him, 'Good Teacher, what good
thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?' So He said to him, 'Why do you
call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter
into life, keep the commandments'" (Matthew 19:16-17).
What message was uppermost on Jesus Christ's mind after His resurrection?
"To [the apostles] He also presented Himself alive after His suffering
. . . being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things
pertaining to the kingdom of God" (Acts 1:3).
After explaining more details of the gospel of the Kingdom of God, Jesus sent
His apostles out into the world to teach the nations those truths (verse 8;
compare Matthew 28:19-20).
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