The gospel of the kingdom announced by Jesus is a message of life for men and women of every nation.
To his disciples, Jesus declared that “all authority in heaven and on earth is given to me, therefore, go and make disciples of all nations!” – And as the Lord over all things, he sends his disciples to proclaim his sovereignty and salvation to every nation, even to the “uttermost parts of the earth.”
By his self-sacrificial death, he redeemed men and women from every nation and ethnic group and established them as a “priestly kingdom.” And as his earthly envoys, they now deliver his message of life across the planet. And by his resurrection, God exalted him to reign over all things from His “right hand.”
For this reason, in the book of Revelation, the entire creation proclaims him “worthy” to receive all power, honor, and glory. From now on, the “slain Lamb” sits on his Father’s throne as sovereign over the entire creation – (Hebrews 1:1-4, Revelation 3:21, 5:5-14).
THE FINAL WORD
In the death and resurrection of His Son, the God who created all things has “spoken” His definitive and final “word.” The “word” spoken previously “in the prophets” was true but partial and preparatory. Jesus is the first and only one who “achieved the purification of sin,” and therefore, he alone has taken his seat “on the right hand of the majesty in high places” where he now reigns – (Hebrews 1:1-3).
According to the Apostle Paul, the righteousness of God is available now to all men “through the faith of Jesus Christ for all who believe, FOR THERE IS NO DISTINCTION” - (Romans 2:1-11).
Sin is the Great Leveler that condemns every man to bondage and decay. In the end, one’s ethnicity, gender, or economic status makes no difference – Death awaits us all.
But now, through Jesus, anyone may receive right standing before God and everlasting life, and all on the same basis, whether Jew or Gentile, male or female, poor or rich; namely, from the FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST and by placing faith in him - (Romans 3:22-30).
And Paul employs his RADICAL MONOTHEISM to make the point. The one God of Israel is the God of both Jews and Gentiles. No one is advantaged or disadvantaged before Him because of biological descent, and He is no respecter of persons - (Romans 3:29-31).
And if the God who created all things is truly one, then He is as much the God of the Gentiles as He is of the Jewish people - (Colossians 3:11).
THE NEW PEOPLE OF GOD
Ever since his death and resurrection, “in Jesus,” God is creating a new community composed of people from every social and ethnic group. Regardless of national origin, every person who places faith in His Son begins to conform to his image.
And in this new community, any distinction based on race, gender, culture, or economic status is wholly inappropriate – (Ephesians 2:15).
No nation, society, civilization, or political party can claim Jesus or his message as its exclusive property. The announcement of salvation through him is a message of hope and life for EVERY man and woman, and, therefore, it transcends all national and cultural boundaries.
JESUS REIGNS SUPREME OVER A UNIVERSAL KINGDOM, and he has tasked his disciples with proclaiming his good news and realm throughout the earth - to the “uttermost ends of the earth” - and all, FREE OF CHARGE.
This task must be completed before Jesus returns in glory, the day when sin, Satan, and death will vanish from the earth.
And since this gospel is for everyone, in the truest sense, it is a universal faith. All men have sinned. All need salvation. No one deserves it, but God has graciously offered it to all men and women, and on the same basis - faith in Jesus Christ.