“The gospel of the good news that mortal man may, by faith, become spirit-conscious that he is a son of God, is not dependent on the death of Jesus. True, indeed, all this gospel of the kingdom has been tremendously illuminated by the Master’s death, but even more so by his life.” 186:5.4 (2002.5)
This emphasizes that the essence of Jesus' gospel—the good news of a person’s potential to realize their spiritual identity as a child of God—is not fundamentally reliant on Jesus' death. Rather, it is through faith and personal spiritual awareness that one can come to understand and embrace this divine relationship. Jesus' teachings and example invite individuals to experience a connection to God directly through faith. This concept of spiritual kinship doesn’t require a sacrificial death but is rather rooted in each person’s inner recognition of God’s fatherly presence and love. The message of the gospel is, therefore, a living, personal experience that extends beyond any single historical event.
Jesus' death, while significant and moving, serves more as an enhancement than a foundation for this gospel of the kingdom. His life provided the ultimate model of spiritual devotion, humility, and love, showcasing a way of living that brought the reality of God's kingdom to earth. His teachings, actions, and compassion showed that the kingdom of God is an active experience rather than just a doctrinal belief. Jesus' death did draw attention to his message, but it is his life—filled with mercy, wisdom, and deep spirituality—that truly illustrates the core of his gospel. His death, seen in this light, is a continuation of his life’s work rather than the culmination of it.
Ultimately, this points out that Jesus’ life illuminates the gospel most profoundly. His example provided a tangible, relatable path for all people, showing them that by following his teachings, they too could awaken to their divine potential. His life embodied the very spirit of the kingdom he preached, and it was this life of perfect trust and obedience to God’s will that powerfully reveals the good news to humanity. Through faith, individuals can become spirit-conscious, realizing their place as sons and daughters of God, thereby experiencing the fullness of the kingdom within their lives here and now.
