Gospel n. (eu- “good”, -angelion “message”) good news of salvation for hell-deserving sinners through the perfect life and redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
The stark reality that there are people who will die without a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ is mind numbing. This reality should not lead one to disillusionment resulting in abandonment, but rather to a compulsion to shed abroad the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ for salvation–as well as everyday living. Thus, I have provided a general overview of the gospel message below:
SIN
“…the state of being that man is in (sin nature), and has inherited (imputed sin)…”
Definition: Sin can be defined as anything contrary to the character and nature of God. Sin means to “miss the mark.” It can be described by other terms such as rebellion, iniquity, going astray, wickedness, wandering, ungodliness, lawlessness, and transgression. It is universal in that we are all sinners. It has brought a penalty of death. Our sin is the reason why Christ had to die.
Biblical support:
- Romans 3:23: “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
- Romans 5:12: “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned.”
- Isaiah 53:6: “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.”
- Ephesians 2:1-3: “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”
- Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
SUBSTITUTIONARY ATONEMENT
“…the person and the work of Jesus Christ…”
Definition: The message of substitutionary atonement is the heart of the gospel message. The gospel message is that Jesus Christ died for our sins and arose from the dead. His death was as a substitute for us all, thus, He died for us. Our sin brought the penalty of death. His death paid our penalty.
Biblical support:
- I Corinthians 15:3-5: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.”
- Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
- Romans 4:25: “He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:21: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
SAVING FAITH
“…the spiritual transfer of the state of being from death to life…”
Definition: Faith or belief is the necessary biblical response to the gospel. Christ has done the work of salvation by His death and resurrection. We receive the benefit of His work by believing. It is important that when sharing the gospel to be careful not to add requirements to the finished work of Christ for salvation.
Biblical support:
- John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
- John 3:36: “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
- Acts 16:31: “They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
- Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
- Romans 4:4-5: “Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness…”