What Is the Gospel?
The Gospel is the good news that God saves sinners through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Primary Scripture
1 Corinthians 15:1–8
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul summarizes the Gospel he received and delivered: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and was raised on the third day.
The word 'gospel' literally means good news. In a world full of moral advice and religious effort, the Christian message is refreshingly different: it announces what God has already done in Jesus Christ.
The Six Truths of the Gospel
1. God the Creator — God made everything good and made humanity in His image to know and enjoy Him.
2. Humanity's Sin — We rebelled against God. Every person has sinned; we are guilty and cannot save ourselves (Romans 3:23).
3. God's Justice and Love — God is holy and cannot ignore sin, yet He loves the world.
4. Christ's Cross — Jesus lived the life we could not live and died the death we deserved, bearing our sin.
5. Christ's Resurrection — He rose bodily on the third day, defeating death and vindicating His work.
6. Repentance and Faith — We are called to turn from sin and trust in Jesus, receiving forgiveness and new life.
What this does not mean
The Gospel is not 'try harder', 'be a good person', or 'God helps those who help themselves.' It is what God has done for us in Christ, received by faith.
Application
If the Gospel is news, our response is trust. Ask God to help you turn from your sin and rest on Jesus alone.
Reflection questions
- Have I understood the Gospel as good news or as a religious duty?
- What am I trusting in — my performance, or Christ's finished work?
Related passages
Romans 3:21–26 · Ephesians 2:1–10