The Gospel

The Gospel simply means “good news.” Some of us have heard the term countless times, leaving us desensitized to the depth of the redemptive work of Christ. However, it is crucial for any believer to know what the gospel is. While there are many passages in scripture that can answer this question as to what the gospel is, Romans 5 is one of my personal favorites.

Attempting to answer this question in a concise yet sufficient way, we’ll break it down into three parts to also be able to address the topic as a whole: (1) What is the gospel? (2) Why do we need the gospel? And (3) What does the gospel mean to us?

First, what is the gospel? Yes, the gospel means “good news,” but good news of what? At its essence, that God showed His love by sending Christ to die in our place. That we are justified by Christ’s substitutionary atonement. That we are saved from the wrath of God, which was poured out on Christ instead of us. That we were once enemies, now we are reconciled to God (Romans 5: 8-11).

Second, why do we need the gospel? Because we are all rebellious, weak, wretched sinners. (Romans 5:6,12). Because we deserve to be condemned, we deserve death (Romans 5:16).

Third, what does the gospel mean to us? Hope. Hope for rebellious, weak, wretched sinners like us. Hope of reconciliation. Hope of regeneration. Hope of life. Hope of an eternity with our glorious God (Romans 5:1-2).

We have been separated from God since sin entered this world. Therefore, by grace alone, God enacted His plan to redeem His chosen ones through Christ’s death and resurrection. By grace alone, the flawless and perfect Son of God emptied Himself of His glory to bear our sin upon His shoulders. By grace alone, our debt is paid and our sins are forgiven. This is the good news. This is our hope. This is the gospel.

To God be the glory.