What is the Gospel? The Good News of Jesus Christ
Introduction
Today, we consider a question of eternal significance: What is the Gospel? The word "gospel" means “good news,” and it is the most transformative message humanity has ever received. Our key verse today is Romans 1:16:“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” (NLT)
The Gospel is God’s power to save, transform, and restore. We will explore three key aspects of the Gospel:
The Problem: Humanity’s Sin and Separation from God.
The Solution: Jesus Christ’s Sacrifice and Victory.
The Response: Faith, Repentance, and New Life.
1. The Problem: Humanity’s Sin and Separation from God
Let’s begin with Romans 3:23: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (NLT)
Paul’s use of the Greek word for "sinned" (aµa?t?a, hamartia) conveys the idea of missing the mark, falling short of God’s perfect holiness. Sin isn’t just about actions; it’s a condition of the heart, separating us from God’s presence.
Isaiah 59:2: “It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.” (NLT)
This verse reveals the relational rupture caused by sin. God’s holiness cannot coexist with sin, leaving humanity in a state of spiritual death.
Imagine a chasm so vast that no human effort could bridge it. This is the gap sin creates between us and God.
Recognising our sinful condition is the first step toward receiving the Gospel. As A.W. Pink once said, “The gospel is only good news to those who realise they are sinners.” Let this truth humble us and awaken a desire for God’s redemption.
2. The Solution: Jesus Christ’s Sacrifice and Victory
Romans 6:23 provides the answer: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NLT)
The Greek term for "wages" (???????, opsonios) refers to payment earned, highlighting that death is the natural outcome of sin. In contrast, “free gift” (????sµa, charisma) underscores God’s unearned grace through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:24: “He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.” (NLT)
This verse reveals Christ’s substitutionary atonement. He bore the punishment we deserved, fulfilling the righteous requirements of God’s justice while extending mercy.
Consider a judge who, seeing a guilty defendant, steps down from the bench to pay the penalty himself. This is what Jesus did for us—taking our place and bearing our burden.
Christ’s sacrifice is the cornerstone of the Gospel. It calls us to reflect on the depth of His love and to trust fully in His finished work. As Billy Graham said, “The cross shows us the seriousness of our sin—but it also shows us the immeasurable love of God.”
3. The Response: Faith, Repentance, and New Life
Romans 10:9-10 provides clear guidance: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” (NLT)
The Greek word for "believe" (p?ste??, pisteuo) conveys trust and reliance, not mere intellectual assent. Declaring Jesus as Lord implies surrendering to His authority over every aspect of life.
2 Corinthians 5:17: “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (NLT)
In Christ, we are transformed. The Greek word for "new" (?a????, kainos) signifies a fresh, unprecedented beginning, not merely an improved version of the old.
Think of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. The change is complete and irreversible, just as our new life in Christ is.
The Gospel demands a response. Faith and repentance are not one-time acts but a lifelong journey. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die”—die to self and live for Him.
Conclusion: Call to Action
The Gospel is the greatest news ever told: though we were dead in sin, God sent His Son to bring us life. Today, if you have not yet responded to the Gospel, hear the words of Jesus in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (NLT)
Come to Him in faith and repentance, and receive the gift of eternal life. If you are a believer, commit to living and sharing this good news with others. Let us pray together, surrendering our lives anew to the One who gave everything for us.
