Heaven's First Gospel Sermon

The first public announcement of Christ's birth beautifully illustrates this truth.

When the angel appeared to the shepherds, he declared:

"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10–11)

Notice the announcement carefully.

The angel did not proclaim a possibility or a provision. 

He proclaimed an accomplishment.

He did not announce that God had merely sent someone who might one day become the Savior of the world.

He announced,

"A Savior has been born."

Nor did the angel limit this good news to a select group.

It was "good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people."

The incarnation itself was proclaimed as good news for the entire human race.

Long before the cross, before the resurrection, before anyone exercised faith, heaven announced that God had entered human history.

The eternal Son had become one with humanity.

The Representative had arrived.

This is why the gospel always begins with what God has accomplished, not with what humanity must accomplish.

Only after announcing this objective reality does Scripture call every person to believe it.