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Scripture

What Is the Gospel?

The word 'gospel' means 'good news.' The gospel is the announcement that God has acted in Jesus Christ to rescue humanity from sin and death. It is not primarily advice about how to live better — it is news about what God has done.

Key Question

What is the gospel message of Christianity?

Evidence

Key Scriptures (ESV)

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”

Romans 1:16

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Scholar Insights

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John Piper
“The gospel is not 'God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.' It is 'you are a sinner under the wrath of God, and Christ died to rescue you.' The first version is too small.”
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Tim Keller
“The gospel is not advice — it is news. Advice says 'here is what you should do.' News says 'here is what has been done.' The gospel is the announcement of an accomplished rescue.”
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Greg Laurie
“The gospel is the most important message in the world because it addresses the most important problem in the world — our separation from God — with the most powerful solution: the death and resurrection of Jesus.”