What is the gospel?

The term "gospel" is derived from the Old English word "godspel," which means "good news" or "glad tidings." In the context of Christianity, the gospel refers to the good news of Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and the salvation He offers to humanity. This message is central to the New Testament and is encapsulated in the four canonical Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each of these books provides a unique perspective on the life and ministry of Jesus, yet they all converge on the same foundational truths that define the gospel.

The gospel begins with the understanding of the human condition. According to the Bible, all humans are sinners. Romans 3:23 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This sin separates us from God, who is holy and just. The consequence of sin is severe, as Romans 6:23 warns, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The gospel addresses this dire situation by offering a solution through Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into the world as both fully God and fully man. His birth was miraculous, born of the Virgin Mary, fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies. His life was marked by sinlessness and perfect obedience to the Father. In His ministry, Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God, performed miracles, and demonstrated God's love and power. However, the climax of His mission was His sacrificial death on the cross. As 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 succinctly puts it, “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.”

The death of Jesus was not merely a tragic event but a divine transaction. He bore the sins of humanity, taking upon Himself the punishment that we deserved. Isaiah 53:5 prophesied this, saying, "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." Through His death, Jesus satisfied the justice of God, making it possible for us to be reconciled to Him.

Yet, the gospel does not end with the death of Jesus. His resurrection is equally essential. On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. This event is the cornerstone of Christian faith, as Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 15:17, "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." The resurrection signifies that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, with power over life and death, and it assures believers of their future resurrection and eternal life.

Salvation, therefore, is a gift from God, made possible through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 clarifies, "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." This grace is accessed through faith—trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, repenting of sins, and committing to follow Him. John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses, encapsulates this beautifully: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

The implications of the gospel extend beyond individual salvation. It calls believers into a new life marked by transformation and the pursuit of holiness. Romans 12:1-2 urges, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." This transformation is a work of the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, guiding and empowering them to live in accordance with God's will.

Moreover, the gospel has a communal aspect. It creates a new community, the Church, which is the body of Christ. Believers are called to love one another, serve one another, and bear witness to the world. Jesus commissioned His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This Great Commission underscores the global and missional nature of the gospel.

The gospel also offers hope in the face of suffering and injustice. It promises that Jesus will return to establish His Kingdom fully, bringing justice, peace, and restoration. Revelation 21:4 gives a glimpse of this future hope: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This eschatological hope motivates believers to endure hardships and to work towards justice and reconciliation in the present.

In summary, the gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, addressing the human condition of sin and offering salvation through His life, death, and resurrection. It calls individuals to faith and repentance, promising eternal life and transformation. It creates a new community, the Church, and commissions it to spread this good news to the ends of the earth. It offers hope for the future, assuring believers of Christ's return and the ultimate restoration of all things. This message is the heart of Christianity and the foundation upon which believers build their lives.