Glad Tidings

From: Echoes of Grace: 1953

• 1 min. read • grade level: 7

The gospel is good news—glad tidings—God's own best news to fallen man. Never forget that it is glad news from God Himself to poor, lost, ruined man.

"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy" (Luke 2:10¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10)), said the angel when the Savior was born.

The early believers "gladly received the word," and "did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God." Acts 2:41, 46⁴¹Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41)
⁴⁶And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (Acts 2:46).

When Philip preached Christ in Samaria, "there was great joy in that city." Acts 8:5, 8⁵Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. (Acts 8:5)
⁸And there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:8).

God's people are called to be a rejoicing people, boasting even in tribulation, more than conquerors in every affliction and over every foe. The weary, heart-sick world, with its anxieties, uncertainties, perplexities, needs comfort and joy. And where are these more to be found than in Christ? His great love shone forth in His perfect work on the cross in order that they might know Him as Savior.

What a privilege belongs to every believer! Only grace could accord to each in his measure the blessedness of telling out "the good tidings of great joy." And marvelous result! "Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:7⁷I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (Luke 15:7).

Click here to show subject links in the text for more information.