The Gospel: What Is It?

(#56, Imperial, 1954)

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 1:16.

Gal. 1:8-9 insists there is only one "gospel".  What do we mean by that term?  It is heard often in Christian circles but little understood. 

ƒ    The English term comes from "God-spell", to spell God.

ƒ    The Greek term means "good tidings" or "good news".

The "good news" presumes the "bad news" of sin, guilt and condemnation.  So what is the gospel for those in sin?

First, the gospel is not...

w   the law, or keeping the law.

w   good works, good deeds that somehow make up for sin.

w   reformation, as in turning over a new leaf.

The good news is good because it actually deals with sin itself, providing a covering so sin is forgiven.

The Gospel means the life of Christ in it's principal aspects: birth ... life ... death ... resurrection.

The gospel is the good news concerning...

    1.  Death, John 5:24.  Passing from death to life.

    2.  Sin, Psalm 103:12.  Sin removed as far as east from west.

    3.  Judgment, Rom. 8:1.  There is no condemnation in Christ.

The characteristics of the gospel:

It is the gospel of power (Rom. 1:16).  That is, it can do what it claims in dealing with death, sin and judgment.

It is the gospel of love (John 3:16).  Those principle aspects of Christ's life are all the result of God's love for the world.

It is the gospel of grace (Acts 20:24).  The best part of the news is that it is given as a gift, not as a result of our merit.

How may we receive its benefits?

    1.  Believe the message of the gospel, John 20:31.

    2.  Repent of sin, Acts 17:30-31; Luke 13:3.

    3.  Receive Jesus Christ, John 1:12.

It is all of faith, faith in the Subject of the gospel, Jesus Christ.  When one receives Him, he in fact turns from sin.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!