THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Welcome to this time of learning and reflection on the very words of life—eternal truths that have stood the test of time and will endure forever.

Today, we focus on a powerful truth found in the opening verses of the Gospel of Mark. It begins this way:

Mark 1:1-2 (ESV)
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,
‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way.’”

Unlike the Gospel of John, which opens with a profound theological declaration—

John 1:1 (ESV)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”—
the Gospel of Mark starts with a proclamation: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

These introductions are not random; they reveal the central themes and purpose of each gospel. John’s Gospel emphasizes the divinity of Christ, portraying Him as the eternal Word and Light of the world. It draws the reader into the mystery of the incarnation—God becoming flesh to dwell among us. When read prayerfully under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, John’s Gospel draws the heart toward deep love and faith in Christ.

In contrast, Mark’s Gospel is action-oriented. It presents Jesus as the suffering Servant and the Messiah who came to proclaim the gospel of God with urgency. Mark emphasizes the message Jesus preached, beginning immediately with His public ministry.

Just a few verses later, we read what Jesus proclaimed when He began preaching:

Mark 1:14-15 (ESV)
“Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying,
‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’”

This statement captures the heart of Christ’s gospel in four key elements:

1. “The Time is Fulfilled”

This marks the long-awaited arrival of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. The prophecies and promises of the Old Testament were coming to fruition. The age of salvation had dawned—not just for the Jews, but for all nations. The gospel was now available freely to everyone—Jews and Gentiles alike, regardless of race or background.

We, too, must proclaim that now is the time of God’s favor. The door of grace is open. Let no one miss it.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)
“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

2. “The Kingdom of God is at Hand”

The reign of God had drawn near through the person of Jesus Christ. This was not just a political or earthly rule, but a spiritual kingdom that would transform hearts and destinies. The signs of the end and the establishment of God’s eternal reign are evident. Therefore, we are called to shift our focus from earthly matters to heavenly priorities.

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV)
“Seek the things that are above, where Christ is… Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

3. “Repent”

Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin—it is a decisive turning away from sin and turning to God. It involves surrender, cleansing, and renewal. If the time is fulfilled and the kingdom is near, the only right response is to examine our lives, renounce sin, and return to our Creator.

Acts 17:30 (ESV)
“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”

4. “Believe in the Gospel”

Faith is the hand that receives God’s grace. To believe in the gospel is to fully embrace the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and to live by His teachings in holiness and obedience. It’s not mere belief in facts—it is trusting in the Person and work of Jesus Christ for salvation.

Romans 1:16 (ESV)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”

These four components—fulfilled time, nearness of the kingdom, repentance, and faith—form the core of Christ’s gospel. Any true gospel message must carry these truths. This is how Jesus Himself preached, and through this, the Father confirmed that He was indeed His beloved Son.

So, we too must walk in these footsteps. But we must also ask ourselves a sobering question: Are you truly in the faith?
Examine your heart. Look honestly at your spiritual condition. The time of salvation is now—not tomorrow.

If you are treating this grace lightly, remember: grace is not everlasting for the unrepentant. Like a limited-time offer, it is extended freely but not indefinitely. There will come a day when this door will close. That’s why it’s called grace—because it’s undeserved and temporary in availability.

Romans 11:17-21 (ESV)
“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in…
do not be arrogant toward the branches… They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.
For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.”