The Gospel Explained
The word “Gospel” means “good news”. The Gospel is the core of the Christian message. There is a great deal of confusion in the world today in regards to what Christians believe. This is a brief, and Biblically accurate explanation of what Christians actually do believe, and how the message of the Gospel can bring hope to your life now and forever. It is a message that has been told for thousands of years in every corner of the world and that has changed the lives of countless millions. It can change your life as well if you respond to it in the right way.
So, what is the Gospel? Well, it starts with God. God is the good, holy, loving creator of the world and everything in it. That makes Him the only one qualified to rule and reign over everything.
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will, they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
In the beginning, He made man and then put him in charge of everything. But, as we look around the world, it is pretty clear that we have messed things up and that something has gone terribly wrong. From the start, men and women have had a problem with God being Ruler and King. They have and we have rejected Him as King and have instead tried to be our own kings. We have tried to run our own lives our own way. Seems innocent enough, doesn’t it? Well, it is nothing less than rebellion and treason against God as we see in Romans.
“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:10-12)
It would be easy to think that God will allow the people that He created to rebel forever. it would be easy to think that God doesn’t really care. In fact, that is exactly what millions believe today. The truth is that God does care and He will not allow this rebellion to go on forever. In fact, He promised in His Word that He will hold all rebels accountable, judge them, and punish them forever in hell.
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)
It sounds like bad news for everyone, and it is. But, there is hope. God is holy and just, as well as loving. This is where grace comes in. Out of His great love for us, He did something to make a way of escape for rebels like you and me. He sent Jesus, who didn’t rebel, and who didn’t deserve to die. He didn’t deserve God’s wrath, but He willingly stood in our place, endured God’s punishment, and gave His life on the cross to satisfy God’s anger for our rebellion. Jesus died the death we all deserve to die. But, the story doesn’t end there. Jesus was buried, and then three days later as a display of God’s power and acceptance of Jesus’ death on our behalf, God raised Him from the dead, gave Him life, and made Him ruler and King of the entire world.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection
of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)
That is the Gospel. It leaves us with only two options. One, continue in our sin and rebellion and face God’s judgment and wrath. Or two, submit to Christ as King, turn from our sin and rebellion and place our faith and hope in Jesus and what He has done and receive forgiveness and life eternally.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (John 3:36)
This is the Gospel that gives new life and salvation. But, it isn’t just a way to God; it is the way of God. Each and every day we live by the power of the Gospel.
If you have any questions about what you have read regarding the Gospel, or would like to talk to someone further, please call our church office at (954) 389-4555. We’d love to talk to you more about what the Gospel means for you.
* Adapted from Two Ways to Live, The Choice We All Face.