The true gospel – What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The true gospel is the good news that God has provided salvation through Jesus Christ, fulfilling Old Testament promises of a Messiah (Psalm 14:3; Isaiah 53:5; Genesis 15:6). All people have sinned (Romans 3:23), and sin separates us from God and leads to death (Romans 6:23). Jesus’ death on the cross serves as a perfect substitute for our sins, and through faith in Him, we receive forgiveness and eternal life (John 3:16; 1 John 2:12). Believing in the gospel requires confessing Jesus as Lord and trusting in His resurrection (Romans 10:9), not relying on our own works but on God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). This faith gives us hope, joy, and power to live abundantly now and into eternity (John 10:10; 1 Peter 1:8-9). The gospel calls us to reflect Christ’s love and truth to others. All are called to respond to and accept the free gift of eternal life and a restored relationship with God by believing in the true gospel.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Old Testament points to the true gospel by showing humanity’s need for salvation because of sin (Psalm 14:3), the promise of a coming Messiah (Isaiah 53:5; Psalm 110:1), and God’s plan to redeem His people (Genesis 15:6; Isaiah 61:1-2). It lays the foundation for the good news that Jesus would fulfill God’s promises and bring forgiveness and restoration.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In Mark 1:15 Jesus commanded, "repent and believe in the gospel." The true gospel is the message Jesus taught. The word "gospel" is an old English word meaning "good news."
• This good news about Jesus is expressed clearly in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
• Every person except Jesus has sinned (Romans 3:23), and this sin separates us eternally from God and leads to death (Romans 6:23).
• Through the death of Jesus on the cross, we have a perfect substitute for our sins. When we place our faith in Him, our sins are forgiven (1 John 2:12), and we receive power to live an abundant life now (John 10:10) in addition to eternal life in the future.
• First Peter 1:8-9 also shares what takes place in the life of the person changed by the gospel: "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." Salvation leads to inexpressible joy, one that will extend into eternity.
• How do you know if you have believed in the true gospel Jesus taught? Romans 10:9 teaches, "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
• Believing the true gospel includes accepting Jesus is Lord, the leader of your life, and that Jesus literally rose again from the dead. It is not based on good works we do, but on God's grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Believing in the true gospel transforms our lives today and for eternity. Those who believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins are forgiven through Jesus (1 John 2:12) and have eternal life secured (John 3:16; Romans 6:23). Therefore, we can live with confidence, hope, and joy even amid life’s challenges. This faith gives us purpose and power for life now and for eternity (John 10:10), not based on our own efforts but on God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Knowing that Jesus is Lord and that He rose from the dead (Romans 10:9) shapes everything in life, allowing us to reflect Him and His love to others.

If you are uncertain whether you have accepted the true gospel, you can settle your doubts right now. Are you willing to place your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and receive this free gift of eternal life? If so, you can do it right now. There is no special prayer you must pray to do so. However, the following prayer is one you can use to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior:

"Dear God, I realize I am a sinner and could never reach heaven by my own good deeds. Right now I place my faith in Jesus Christ as God's Son who died in my place (for my sins) and rose from the dead to give me eternal life. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live for you. Thank you for accepting me and giving me eternal life."

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UNDERSTAND

• Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection provide forgiveness for sins and eternal life to all who believe.
• Salvation comes through faith in Jesus, not through our own works or efforts.
• Believing the gospel transforms our lives, giving us joy, hope, and the power to reflect Christ’s love to others.

REFLECT

• How do you see your own need for forgiveness?
• When did the gospel become real to you, and which part of it impacted you the most?
• How is your faith in the gospel shaping how you live, love, and make decisions?

ENGAGE

• What is the true gospel, and what is your motivation for sharing it with others?
• How do we see the fulfillment of Old Testament promises in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus?
• What are practical ways we can reflect Christ’s love and truth to those around us as a response to the gospel?