The Content of the Gospel

In a world where many messages are labelled as “good news,” it is crucial to understand what the true gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ contains. Far from being a message of general goodwill, moral improvement, or self-help, the gospel is a specific, historical, and supernatural message centred on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What Is the Gospel Really About?

The word gospel (from the Greek euangelion) means “good news.” But what is this good news? The Apostle Paul clearly defines it in his first letter to the Corinthians:

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures…” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Paul makes it clear that the gospel is a message about specific events, the death of Christ for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection on the third day. These facts are foundational, non-negotiable truths at the heart of Christian faith.

Not a Message of Good Works or Self-Improvement

While the gospel certainly transforms lives and motivates believers toward holiness, its content is not about becoming a better person or following a moral code. It does not say: “Try harder,” “Be kinder,” or “Be more spiritual.” Those messages can be helpful, but are not the gospel itself.

Salvation does not come from a list of rules or personal reformation; it comes through faith in what Christ accomplished on the cross and through the resurrection. As Paul explains:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

The gospel is about what Jesus has done for us, not what we do for Him.

Why the Death, Burial, and Resurrection?

  • Death: Christ’s death is central because it is through His death that the penalty for sin was paid. The Bible teaches that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), and only through the sacrificial death of Christ can that penalty be removed. His death satisfies God’s justice and reveals His love.

  • Burial: Jesus’ burial is important to affirm the reality of His death. He truly died and was placed in a tomb, fulfilling prophecy and emphasizing that His death was not a mere appearance or myth.

  • Resurrection: The resurrection is the cornerstone of the gospel. Jesus’ rising from the dead shows that He defeated death, sin, and Satan. It proves His power to give eternal life to all who believe. Without the resurrection, Paul says, our faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17).

The Gospel Is Not About “Giving Your Life to Christ”

A common phrase heard in churches is “give your life to Christ.” However, the Bible never uses this phrase in the gospel context. Instead, salvation is about receiving Christ, not giving something to Him.

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

Faith is receiving the gift of new life Jesus offers, based on His death and resurrection.

The Gospel Is a Message of Power

The gospel is called the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). It’s not just a nice story or moral teaching; it’s the dynamic power by which God rescues sinners and gives them new life.

It is this gospel, grounded in real historical events, the death, burial, and resurrection that has the authority to forgive sins, justify the sinner, and bring eternal life.

Why This Matters Today

Many people today hear diluted or distorted versions of the gospel messages about self-improvement, social justice, or religious rituals. While some of these can be good in themselves, they do not save.

True salvation depends on hearing and believing the gospel as Paul preached it: the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ according to the Scriptures. This gospel alone reconciles us to God and grants us new life.

Conclusion

The content of the gospel is clear, focused, and powerful: it is the message of Christ’s death for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection from the dead. It is not about human effort or moral reform but about God’s work to redeem and restore us through Jesus Christ.

When we preach or share the gospel, we must proclaim this message faithfully, trusting that the Holy Spirit will use these truths to bring salvation to all who believe.

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