I’ve heard the following phrase much lately: ”The Good News of The Gospel.” It strikes me as redundant, but that’s the reason for this short post.
In considering the question, “What is the Gospel,” I’m thinking on the following:
Does the Gospel have “parts?” ~ Are there components, aspects, or elements? Is the Gospel taken from a subset of data different from “non-gospel” data? When I say “non-gospel,” I’m not speaking of “anti-gospel,” but those things typically considered biblical, but not part of the Gospel message. If there are parts, i’m not referring to the pink goo of processed gospel parts that seem to be so prevalent in today’s Christian culture.
Are all the things that Christ said we are to teach others to obey (Matthew 28:19,20) part of the Gospel or are those commands of a “different sort?” ~ In each case where “the Gospel” is defined, it appears to be made of some very specific components. In fact, I have not seen the Gospel, presented or defined, by the sum total of Christ’s commands. How one breaks this down will have a lot to do with how they approach evangelism and discipleship. It is thought and practiced that by Evangelism (The Sharing of the Gospel), we “to lead people to Christ.” Then by discipleship, we “keep people in Christ.” I am uncomfortable with that kind of distinction.
How much bad news is in the Good News? ~ It would seem contradictory that there is some bad news within the Gospel, but I don’t think we can totally escape that idea either. Most would say that one is predicated on the other. You can not have Good News without knowing that there is bad news and what that bad news is.
Finally, a point of clarification. There is a trend in the church today to say that “Jesus is the Gospel.” While that is completely true, it is an incomplete phrase, thought, and truth. The Gospel is both the God-Man AND the God-Message. We can not put asunder what God has joined together and still cal it the Gospel.
Jesus said, “If you abide in ME and MY WORDS in you…
Missionary in the Andes Mountains Cloud Forest Region of Ecuador. My last name, "Labrador," is the word that's used for "Vine Worker" in the Spanish Bible, and it's OK with me. 
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Good Morning Miguel,
I think there is a lot of confusion about what the “gospel” is. The term gospel is found ninety plus times in In the Greek New Testament, gospel is the translation of the Greek noun euangelion (occurring 76 times) “good news,” and the verb euangelizo (occurring 54 times), meaning “to bring or announce good news.” Both words are derived from the noun angelos, “messenger.” In classical Greek, an euangelos was one who brought a message of victory or other political or personal news that caused joy. A common usage was the message of a New King, a victorious King who is now coming to reign. I like this definition as it correctly portrays Christ as the new King of a wholly New Spiritual Kingdom, the Kingdom of God! The offering in the message is there is a New King in town and His name is Jesus!
Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
So we come here to offer you a new King, a loving, powerful, benevolent King, who loves you enough to die in your stead to give you a new type of Life, eternal life.
This message is far, far different that what is proclaimed in churches. For the most part the message presented as the “gospel” is actually very bad new. It goes something like this, come and accept Christ, and obey His commands, He will rule over you using His better way the bible way. Agreed? this is not very good news. In your referenced scripture: John 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Some might argue that the “my words” here is the bible, when nothing could be further from the truth. The word “words” is rhēma, 1) that which is or has been uttered by the living voice, thing spoken, word… So this is only possible in a relationship with a person, not a book. As we spiritual mature, we grow to understand His continual voice, this abiding and listening, positions us as His sons. Jesus as our model, being made our big bothers, teaches us when He said, I only do that which I see the Father do, I only say that which I hear the Father say.
I hope this is helpful, all the best in Christ!
Marc
Good morning to you as well Marc.
Excellent and thoughtful comment. I would suggest, however that the common distinction between rhema and logos is unnecessary because they are synonymous.
Take for example John 8:31 ~ “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” Here “logos” is used instead of “rhema,” but it says virtually the same thing as John 15:7 where it uses rhema.
I agree with you that much of what is presented as the Gospel today is a far cry from the Gospel message that was birthed those many years ago.
I love your statement, “So we come here to offer you a new King, a loving, powerful, benevolent King, who loves you enough to die in your stead to give you a new type of Life, eternal life.”
That alone requires much meditation.
Miguel, I feel the issue of the Gospel as bad news, which you suggest, is an interesting antinomy (equal but opposing truth).
Explaining to a prospective Believer that they will be required to die, pick up Jesus’ cross, etc. , would sound terrifying to them. But, it’s also the most freeing thing a Jesus Follower can and must do!
Blessings all,
Gary in Toronto