The noun “Gospel” occurs 101 times in the New Testament. Technically it means “good news!” Paul defines it as the Message of Jesus’ Death, Burial and Resurrection! (1 Corinthians 15:1-3)

But I have just learned, with excitement, that the Greek noun “Gospel” has a Hebrew equivalent!

Watch …

Jesus, preaching in Nazareth, chose Isaiah 61 as His Text. This is part of our Lord’s Sermon that day, quoting Isaiah the Prophet.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the GOSPEL to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised …”  (Luke 4:18)

Now let’s go to the Old Testament, Isaiah 61:1, and see what word is the equivalent to “Gospel.”

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach GOOD TIDINGS unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound …”

The Hebrew word “good tidings” is translated in the New Testament (by the Holy Spirit) as “Gospel!”

The Hebrew spells that word “basar.”

Now let’s define it, basar: “glad, joyful!”

Is that not exactly what happens when a soul believes the Good News about Jesus, accepting His Death and Burial and Resurrection as the means (the only means) to Heaven?

Gladness, joyfulness!

The word also means “rosy,” as in a healthy countenance! And the Gospel certainly does give us a holy “glow,” spiritual hygiene at its best!

And some lexicons also say of “basar” … something “fresh,” never stale or old or outdated!

One Hebrew word, the equivalent of “Gospel” …

Cheerful, joyful!

Rosy, not pale and sickly!

And fresh, not plain or boring!

Aren’t you glad you received that grand Message, whereby your lost soul was saved forever?

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Let’s never get over the “wonder” of the Gospel!

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