What is the Gospel?
Gospel comes from a Greek word that literally means good news. We proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. But what is this good news?
1. The Love of God
God loves every person unconditionally. This love is so great that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to show us the way to Him and that those who believe in His name may be saved. John 3:16
God created the world and everything in it, including humanity. However, human beings have turned away from God by disobeying His laws, which is called sin. This separation has spiritual and moral consequences. Genesis 1:1; Romans 3:23
3. Jesus Christ
Jesus is the Son of God. He came to earth, lived a perfect life, and demonstrated love, compassion, and truth. Through his death on the cross and resurrection, Jesus offers a way of reconciliation between God and man. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
4. Salvation
Salvation is God's free gift to all who believe in Jesus Christ. By accepting Jesus as Savior and through the experience of the new birth, we receive forgiveness of our sins and the promise of eternal life with God. Ephesians 2:8-9
5. The Personal Response
Each person is invited to respond to the gospel by putting his or her faith in Jesus Christ. This involves acknowledging one’s own sins, asking God for forgiveness, and living according to the teachings of Jesus. Romans 10:9; Acts 2:38
6. The New Life
By accepting the gospel, we begin a new life in Jesus Christ. This means living in communion with God through his Spirit, loving others, and sharing this good news around us. 2 Corinthians 5:17
In summary, there is first a bad news, that is that every human being who lives on this earth is considered by God as a sinner. Indeed, one sin is enough to fall under the condemnation and wrath of God.
The good news for us today is that God sent His Son Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago. God offers the opportunity to be forgiven of our sins and reconciled to Him through Jesus' death in our place. God has shown that this sacrifice was accepted by raising Him from the dead.
This is why God calls every person, whatever their condition, nationality, or religion:
To believe that Jesus is the one and only Son of God.
To repent of one's sins.
To receive the promise of eternal life in his name.
Indeed, salvation is an unmerited grace that is obtained only through faith in Jesus Christ.