What are the Basics of the Gospel Message?

There’s no other message that holds greater importance in this life than the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gospel is a word that simply means, good news. It has made all the difference in my life, and I can’t help but share it.

As I think about the importance of what I’m about to share, I feel a solemn weight that almost overwhelms me. I want my words to be perfect. And suddenly, the irony of the situation hits me. Even in those thoughts, I demonstrate that I can still miss the heart of it if I fail to see correctly what my role in sharing this precious message is.

It’s not about me. It’s about all about Jesus.

My role is simply obedience to share the good news. Of course, I should do my best- but my best has nothing to do with its’ effectiveness. 

Sharing the gospel message is a means through which God has appointed His followers to call others toward salvation,

“How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?” Romans 10:14 (NIV)

Yet it’s an act of God the Father that calls people into a saving faith. The response is voluntary, yes- and someone has to speak (or write) the message- but it’s God who works in people’s hearts in a way that brings about a saving faith.

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” John 16:44 (NIV)

You see, the heart of the gospel is that we can’t do any of it on our own. We can’t save ourselves. Those who share the gospel don’t get credit for saving anyone. Those who respond in repentance and faith don’t get to boast. It’s God alone who does the saving, through the work of his Son, Jesus.

“Those whom he predestined he called: and those whom he called, he also justified” Romans 8:30 (NIV)

It’s a call that goes out to all people. 

So what is the gospel message?

1. All people have sinned.

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23 (ESV)

2. The penalty for our sin is death.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (ESV)

3. Jesus Christ came to earth, lived a perfect life, died, and was resurrected to pay the penalty for our sins.

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (ESV)

To illustrate: Let’s say you were pulled over for speeding an extra 50 mph. Let’s also say your Dad was a judge- and when you went to court, he gets assigned to your case.

Maybe you would be happy, at first, because you knew your Dad was kind and loving. But you also know he is a good judge- and always fair. You might start to get nervous because you know that what you did was wrong and deserving of punishment.

You go before the judge (your Dad) and admit that you’re guilty. The judge gives you a fine of $1k. You nod and turn to walk out of the courtroom, wondering how to pay the fine. But then, the judge takes off his robe, comes down to you, and gives the clerk a check for $1k on your behalf. 

That’s what Jesus did for us. Only the price was far greater- so much, that we could never hope to repay it.

What is sin? And why does it lead to death?

This is important.

Sin is simply “missing the mark.” It’s not living up to the perfection required to be in the presence of a perfect and holy God. None of us live up to that standard.

Death is another word for separation from God.

God, being holy, cannot be in the presence of that which is not holy. Sin separates us from God. And God, being just, cannot ignore sin. But God, who is love, sent his son Jesus to earth to pay the price we could not pay for our sin. When we repent of our sin and accept that gift of salvation, we are covered with the holiness of Christ. God sees us as holy. We can then, freely, come into his presence, never again to be separated from God.

A personal response of repentance and faith is necessary for salvation.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt. 11:28-30 (NIV)

These words are for everyone. They aren’t just for people long ago.  The invitation stands. You can be assured that they’re personal.  If you hear that call, please know that God the Father has a plan and a purpose for you. 

You don’t have to earn your way into his favor.  The only response that is required from you is to accept God’s forgiveness through his son Jesus and to turn away from your sin.  Your heart will be changed- so that you’ll want to please him. God puts new desires into our hearts when we respond to his call.   

It’s God who will give you the strength and ability to follow him.  You will continue to miss the mark- but the difference now is that the work of Jesus covers you. The moment you accept Jesus as your Savior, you are a new person. 

God sees you as he sees his Son- holy and pure.  Your sins, past, present, and future, are forgiven.  It’s like a seed that’s planted in the ground when you accept him as your Savior.  The real you is still hidden- but at some point, the fruit will begin to show. Other people may not see it yet (you may not even see it) but a new life is growing.

Here’s a promise you can count on:

When we place our trust in Jesus by turning away from our sin, our sins are forgiven. We will never again be separated from God (which means we have eternal life).

Why do I share this with you?

I’m not trying to score “brownie points” with God (or anyone else) by sharing the gospel.  I’m already assured that I have God’s love and approval. I could remain silent and still spend eternity with him.  But I don’t want to stay quiet. I love God- and I know He loves you. And because He loves you, so do I.  Because He wants you to know Him and His saving grace, so do I. 

It’s that simple.

A prayer of salvation:

Father God, I know I have fallen short.  I have sinned. I’m separated from you, and I don’t want to be.  I believe that Jesus died and paid the price for my sins and that He rose again to be with you.  I’m placing my trust in Jesus and asking for your forgiveness. I want to be made new in him. I want to please you and follow you from this day on.  Please place your Spirit in me and help me to do your will. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer for the first time, congratulations. You are now a follower of Christ.  If I can pray for you or if you would like to talk, please, feel free to send me a private message.