The Gospel: A Timeless Message Since Antiquity?
The inquiry into whether the Gospel has existed since antiquity is a captivating topic that has fascinated theologians and believers for ages. Some speculate that the Gospel’s core message was present during Abraham’s time, while others argue that its full revelation occurred after Jesus’ earthly ministry. What does the Bible actually reveal on this matter? Was Abraham the first to demonstrate faith in God’s Word?
Abraham and the Gospel: A Covenant Grounded in Divine Promise
Examining Galatians 3:8, we find:
This passage indicates that the essence of the Gospel—proclaiming the Word through faith—was not a concept introduced in the New Testament. It was intricately woven into God’s promises to Abraham from the very beginning.
“The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘In you shall all nations be blessed.’”
Abraham’s narrative serves as an illustration of trusting in God’s Word. In Genesis 15:6, it is written:
“And he believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness.”
This passage highlights that Abraham’s righteousness was not based on his actions but on his faith in what God had communicated to him. Paul later references this in Romans 4:3, using Abraham as a model to illustrate that righteousness is attained through faith in God’s Word rather than adhering to a set of rules or performing deeds. Despite facing difficult circumstances, Abraham trusted in God’s promises, and it was this unwavering faith in God’s Word that justified him.
Abel’s Faith: Embracing God’s Word Prior to Abraham
Was Abraham the first individual justified by faith in God’s Word? Not entirely. The Bible presents another instance through the account of Abel. Hebrews 11:4 states:
“By faith Abel offered a sacrifice to God more acceptable than Cain did. By this, he was commended as righteous when God accepted his offerings. By faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.”
Abel’s belief in what God had revealed to him was acknowledged by God, leading to his righteousness. Thus, even before Abraham, trust in God’s Word served as the pathway to divine approval. Abel’s narrative underscores that the concept of being justified by faith predates Abraham.
Throughout the pages of Scripture, this truth resonates. Similar to Abraham, Abel placed his trust in God’s Word, and this faith rendered him righteous in the eyes of God. This illustrates that from the start, God has consistently responded to those who believe in His Word.
The Unfolding of the Gospel: Revelation of God’s Word through Jesus
While the roots of the Gospel can be traced back to early Scripture, a full understanding of it evolved over time. The life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought clarity to everything. The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—were penned years after Jesus’s death, documenting the teachings and experiences of His followers. These writings reveal how early Christians grasped the Good News as unveiled through God’s Word.
The Bible conveys that Jesus is the realization of God’s promises—He is the incarnation of His Word. According to John 1:14:
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Jesus personifies the Gospel as He embodies it in human form. In Him, all the promises given to Abraham and in the Scriptures come alive. His life, death, and resurrection unveil God’s plan to redeem humanity through belief in His Word, which is Christ.
Belief in the Incarnate Word
The Bible presents a compelling narrative of how the Gospel and the concept of being justified by faith in God’s Word have existed since ancient times. The Scriptures illustrate that the message of salvation through faith in God’s promises did not originate with Jesus alone. It’s resonated in Abel’s story, Abraham’s journey, and throughout Scripture, culminating in Jesus Christ—the Word incarnate.
Reflecting on these narratives reveals that God’s timeless plan to rescue and restore humanity is rooted in His Word and fully manifested in Christ.
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