The Gospel Good News

What is the Gospel?

The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of the world, who provides the only path to salvation. 

The Bible teaches that all humanity is sinful and incapable of meeting God’s perfect standard. The consequence of sin is death—eternal separation from the fellowship of God in a place of unending, conscious punishment called hell. Yet, out of His great love, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross, paying the penalty for sin. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus provides the way of reconciliation to God and offers the free gift of eternal life (John 3:16; 14:1–4, 6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 8:3–4; 10:9; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 10:8–10; 1 Peter 1:3–4; 1 John 2:2).

Those who believe in Jesus Christ, trust Him as Savior, confess their sins, repent, and commit to following Him as Lord receive salvation as a gift and become part of God’s family (Psalm 32:5; Matthew 4:17; 10:32; John 1:12–13; Romans 10:9–10; Titus 3:5; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 1:9; 3:1–2).

Following Jesus is a lifelong journey. Through continual study of the Bible and obedience to His teachings, Christians grow in their relationship with God, becoming increasingly conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (John 1:12; Romans 5:1–21; 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 5:17; Galatians 2:20; 5:22–23; Ephesians 4:24; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 3:10; 2 Peter 3:18).

The Problem is Sin
Everyone has turned away from God. The Bible calls this sin, which results in spiritual death and separation from God. But God, in His mercy, provides the only solution—Jesus Christ.

  • Romans 3:23: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”
  • Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Jesus is the Answer
While still in sin, every person stands condemned before God. Yet Jesus took that punishment, dying in our place and paying the full penalty for sin. He alone is the way to salvation.

  • Romans 5:8: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” 
  • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
  • John 14:6: “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’”

Repent and Be Saved
Salvation cannot be earned by good works. Jesus accomplished everything necessary through His death, burial, and resurrection. To be saved, a person must believe in Him, repent of sin, and commit to following Him as Lord.

  • Ephesians 2:8: “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.”
  • Acts 2:38: “Peter replied, ‘Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
  • Romans 10:9: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Eternal Life
When a person believes in Jesus Christ, repents of sin, and places faith in Him as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them. This transformation produces a new devotion to God and His righteousness. Those who trust in Christ can rest in the assurance of salvation for all eternity.

  • Romans 8:16: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.”
  • Romans 10:13: “For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
  • 1 John 2:29: “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.”

Responding to the Gospel

If God is drawing you to Himself, turn to Jesus Christ in faith. Confess your sin to God, acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and trust in Jesus’s finished work on the cross for your salvation. The Bible says:

  • Romans 10:9: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
  • Ephesians 2:8–9: “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”

Salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace. Those whom God saves are forever His, sealed by the Holy Spirit and transformed to walk in newness of life (John 10:27–28; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Growing in Your Faith

New life in Christ is not the end—it is the beginning of walking in faith, growing in the knowledge of God, and pursuing Christlikeness. Here are important ways to grow:

  • Find a Bible-Believing, Bible-Preaching Church. Seek a local church that faithfully studies and proclaims God’s Word so you can be discipled, encouraged, and equipped to grow—or find one online if you are physically unable to travel (Hebrews 10:24–25).

  • Read and Study the Bible. God’s Word is truth, and through it, you will grow in wisdom, faith, and obedience (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16–17).

  • Set Aside Your Old Life. In Christ, you are a new creation. Turn from sinful habits and live in obedience to God, relying on Him for transformation (Ephesians 4:22–24; 1 Peter 1:14–16).

  • Pray Regularly. Communicating with God in prayer strengthens your relationship with Him and builds your faith (Philippians 4:6–7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

  • Join a Bible Study. Studying the Bible with others provides accountability and encouragement in understanding and applying God’s Word (Colossians 3:16).

  • Share the Gospel. As a follower of Christ, you are called to share the good news with others so they may also know the hope of salvation (Matthew 28:19–20; Romans 1:16).

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, ‘You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.’” (John 8:31). Continue walking in faith, knowing that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).