What Is the Gospel?

 What Is the Gospel?

The gospel of Christ stands as the ultimate revelation of God’s plan for humanity. It is the message that points away from ourselves and our efforts, directing us to the person and work of Jesus Christ. This pivotal message is what shapes how we see God, salvation, and every aspect of the Christian faith.

The Gospel Points Away from Self to Christ

The Greek word apodei means “to demonstrate” or “to point away from oneself to something particular.” The gospel is not about human effort, personality, or religious works; it is centred on the person of Jesus Christ, His life, death, burial, and resurrection.

Our understanding of salvation profoundly affects how we relate to God and live out our faith. Unfortunately, phrases like “I gave my life to Christ” do not appear in the New Testament. Faith is not about what we give to Christ, but what we receive from Him.

Faith Is Receiving, Not Giving

John 1:12 says,

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe on His name.”

Notice the emphasis on receiving Christ. Believing is an act of receiving new life—salvation is a gift from God, not a work we perform.

John 3:16 further reveals God’s initiative:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

It is God who gave life, and we only receive it.

Ephesians 2:8-10 makes this clear:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…”

We were once dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1), incapable of offering life to God. Salvation is God’s work, and our response is to receive by faith.

The Gospel Is Centered on the Resurrection of Christ

The core of the gospel message is not merely that Christ died, but that He rose from the dead. This resurrection is the power of God at work in salvation.

Romans 1:16 states,

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…”

Paul explains in Romans 1:3-4 that the gospel concerns Jesus Christ, “who was declared the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”

The resurrection is the fact that confirms Jesus as Lord, justifies believers, and gives new life.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 summarizes the gospel:

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

Without the resurrection, faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15:14).

Salvation Is a New Birth from Death to Life

Salvation is not a transaction or exchange of our life for Christ’s. It is a spiritual rebirth: moving from death in sin to life in Christ.

John 5:24 says,

“He who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has everlasting life and shall not come into judgment but has passed from death to life.”

Romans 8:2 confirms,

“The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”

Faith Is how We Receive Salvation

Faith is the singular response God requires, it is trusting in Jesus’ resurrection and finished work for the remission of sins.

Romans 10:9–10 teaches,

“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Acts 2:38 and other passages emphasize repentance and faith as the gateway to forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Why This Matters

Understanding the gospel rightly shapes our entire faith journey. It guards us from false teachings that add works, rituals, or secret knowledge to salvation. It keeps the focus on God’s grace and the finished work of Christ.

When faith rests on the gospel, Christ crucified and risen, believers receive the power of God to live victoriously.

Conclusion

The gospel is the good news that God loved us so much He gave His Son, who died and rose again, offering new life to all who receive Him by faith. It is not what we give but what we receive that saves.

This is the foundation of Christian faith and the power of God for salvation.

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