What do we mean by "Gospel?"

The word Gospel can mean different things depending on the context it is used in.  In Greek, Gospel is evangelion, or good news. The Old English word godspel, from which Gospel comes, also means good news.  It can mean one of the books which has come down to us from the Apostolic era, as in "The Gospel of Luke."  It can also mean the whole of God's word, the Bible. 

The most specific meaning is that God has saved us from sin and death because of the work of Jesus Christ, his Son. God's gift is totally free apart from anything we have done, including accepting him, ceasing to resist etc.! We are saved because of God's grace, and that is good news indeed!  This is what Lutherans mean when we say "Preach the Gospel."  When we preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, there God offers the forgiveness of sins and eternal life with him in heaven.  Those who believe receive this amazing gift, those who do not receive eternal condemnation.  Without the Gospel, or the forgiveness of sins for solely Christ's sake, all we would have is God's holy law, which none of us can possibly obey.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way God has revealed for us to enter into his kingdom.

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