Universal Principles in the Four Gospels of Scripture
The four Gospels in Scripture — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — convey universal principles that are foundational to Christian theology. One of these principles is the concept of the Gospel as "good tidings of great joy for all people" [2]. This principle is rooted in the Old Testament, with prophecies foretelling the coming of a savior (Isa 41:27; 52:7; 61:1-3) [2]. The Gospels present Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of these prophecies, emphasizing his role as the Messiah and Savior of humanity.
The doctrine of the Gospel is characterized by its universal scope, emphasizing God's love and grace towards all people. The apostle Paul writes about the Gospel being "the power of God to salvation" (Ro 1:16; 1Co 1:18) [2]. This universal principle is echoed in the book of Revelation, where every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea gives praise to God [4].
Another universal principle present in the Gospels is the concept of judgment. Jesus teaches that there will be a day of judgment when all people will be held accountable for their actions (Mt 13:32; Ac 17:31) [1]. This theme is also present in the Old Testament, with passages such as Psalm 9:7 and 96:13 emphasizing God's role as judge [1].
The Gospels also convey the importance of the Scripture as a source of truth and guidance. Jesus often referenced the Old Testament Scriptures, using them to teach and guide his followers (Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42) [3]. The apostles continued this practice, using the Scriptures to interpret the life and teachings of Jesus.
The universal principles found in the Gospels are not limited to individual salvation but also encompass the unity of believers. The apostle Paul writes about the unity of the Church, emphasizing that there is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph 4:4-5) [6]. This unity is a reflection of the unity of God, who is holy, almighty, and eternal [5].
The Gospels present a cohesive narrative that emphasizes the universal principles of God's love, judgment, and redemption. These principles are woven throughout the fabric of Scripture, from the Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As such, the four Gospels provide a rich foundation for understanding the Christian faith and its universal principles. The heavenly host's declaration of "Holy, holy, holy" underscores the holiness and unity of God's nature, a theme echoed in the Gospel accounts [5, 7].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Judgment, The — Predicted in the Old Testament -- 1Ch 16:33; Ps 9:7; 96:13; Ec 3:17. A first principle of the gospel -- Heb 6:2. A day appointed for -- Ac 17:31; Ro 2:16. Time of, unknown to us -- Mr 13:32. Called the Day of wrath. -- Ro 2:5; Re 6:17. Revelation of the righteous judgment of God. -- Ro 2:5. Day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. -- 2Pe 3:7. Day of destruction. -- Job 21:30. Judgment of the great day. -- Jude 1:6. Shall be administered by Christ -- Joh 5:22,27; Ac 10:42; Ro 14:10; 2Co 5:10. Saints shall sit with Christ in -- 1Co 6:2; Re 20:4. Sh”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Gospel, The — Is good tidings of great joy for all people -- Lu 2:10,11,31,32. Foretold -- Isa 41:27; 52:7; 61:1-3; Mr 1:15. Preached under the old testament -- Heb 4:2. Exhibits the grace of God -- Ac 14:3; 20:32. The knowledge of the glory of God is by -- 2Co 4:4,6. Life and immortality are brought to light by Jesus through -- 2Ti 1:10. Is the power of God to salvation -- Ro 1:16; 1Co 1:18; 1Th 1:5. Is glorious -- 2Co 4:4. Is everlasting -- 1Pe 1:25; Re 14:6. Preached by Christ -- Mt 4:23; Mr 1:14. Ministers have a stewardship to preach -- 1Co 9:17. Preached before”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 5:13: The universal chorus of creation, including the outermost circles as well as the inner (of saints and angels), winds up the doxology. The full accomplishment of this is to be when Christ takes His great power and reigns visibly. every creature--"all His works in all places of His dominion" (Psa 103:22). under the earth--the departed spirits in Hades. such as are--So B and Vulgate. But A omits this. in the sea--Greek, "upon the sea": the sea animals which are regarded as being on the surface [ALFORD]. all that are in them--So Vulgate reads”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 4:8: 4:8 day and night: The four beings ceaselessly praised God’s basic characteristics: his holiness, his power (the Almighty), and his eternity (see study note on 1:4). • Holy, holy, holy comes from Isa 6:3 and is the highest worship affirmation in Scripture. To double something makes it emphatic; to triple it makes it ultimate.”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 4:4: In the apostle's creed, the article as to THE CHURCH properly follows that as to THE HOLY GHOST. To the Trinity naturally is annexed the Church, as the house to its tenant, to God His temple, the state to its founder [AUGUSTINE, Enchiridion, c. 15]. There is yet to be a Church, not merely potentially, but actually catholic or world-wide; then the Church and the world will be co-extensive. Rome falls into inextricable error by setting up a mere man as a visible head, antedating that consummation which Christ, the true visible Head, at His appearing sh”
- Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 6:3: And one cried unto another,.... This denotes the publicness of their ministry, and their harmony and unity in it; they answered to one another, and agreed in what they said; their preaching was not yea and nay, Co2 1:19, and said, holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; this expresses the subject matter of the Gospel ministry, respecting the holiness of God; all the doctrines of the Gospel are pure and holy, and have a tendency to promote holiness of heart and life, and are agreeable to the holiness of God, and in them the holiness of God in each of the divine Persons”