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Matthew 5-7 – The Gospel of the Kingdom: How and Where
The gospel, what does that mean? Does it mean the same as the “gospel of the Kingdom” (Matthew 4:23)? Both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ preached the good news of the kingdom of God, but we don’t see either teaching – in the beginning – about His death burial and resurrection (1 Cor.15:1-3). Those good facts are the gospel, but not all the good news of the gospel.
Jesus’ sacrifice in death and triumph over death are the “how” of the gospel; and the kingdom or reign of God is the “where.” The gospel is designed to bring us near to God which is why the kingdom was said to be near to us (Mt.3:2). The gospel as the Atonement brings us near to God in relationship, which is how righteousness is given, through forgiveness. The gospel as the Kingdom also brings us near to God, but in behavior extending from that relationship. The gospel calls us out of sin (i.e., how), to not live in sin (i.e., where). The gospel invites us to be free from sin through the king, and to be free from sinning in the kingdom. The invitation was extended in “repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.” And the invitation was expanded and explained as to what repentance and righteousness looks like in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt.5:20). The gospel is not just about being forgiven (i.e., how); it is about living forgiven which is living righteously in the presence of God (i.e., where). The gospel of the kingdom is the reign of God not only in eternity, but in our lives, not just in heaven, but on earth. It is a call to be righteous and to act righteous. Then God will come near, and we will be near to God.
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