George MacDonald
The Hope of the Gospel
"The Hope of the Gospel" by George MacDonald is a theological exposition written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the nature of sin, repentance, and redemption, emphasizing a personal relationship with God and the transformative power of faith in Christ. MacDonald explores the deeper implications of Jesus's mission and the necessity of true repentance that leads to a life free from sin, demonstrating his conviction that understanding and obedience to God's will are paramount for spiritual fulfillment. At the start of the text, MacDonald begins by outlining the human struggle with inner discomfort and the common pursuit of relief through external means, only to reveal that the root cause of such discomfort is spiritual evil, particularly within oneself. He argues that genuine salvation comes not only from the remission of sins but from an active transformation of one's being, as Jesus came to set humanity free from the very nature of sin itself. This opening portion sets the stage for a profound discourse on redemption, urging readers to acknowledge and confront their inner struggles in pursuit of true righteousness and alignment with the divine will of God.