The word “gospel” means, simply, ‘good news’. In Christianity, we use the term ‘the gospel’ to refer to ‘the good news of Jesus for mankind’. So what is ‘the gospel’?
Here are four pillars of the gospel message:
1. God loves you unconditionally.
The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). The “world” here means everyone on the planet. That means you, friend. God loves you without conditions. This means that nothing you have done or can do will stop his passionate love for you.
With that He wants the best for you, uniquely. This is not just a general wishing for the best. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10). Those who put their trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior will experience a full, purposeful life, in spite of their circumstances.
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10
2. Mankind is sinful and separated from God eternally.
Every human being on the planet has done, thought or said things that break God’s Law, which the Bible calls “sin.” The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God’s Law isn’t a very popular topic, but it is an important one. Essentially, if you break a law, you are penalized to the full extent of the Law.
What’s the penalty of sin? Death, spiritual separation from God. “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a).
Nothing that you can do can redeem your soul from the penalty of breaking God’s Law. The Prophet Isaiah describes God’s perspective on our ‘good deeds’, “all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).
3. God sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty you deserve.
Neither the good works, rituals, practices nor sacrifices of Judaism or Christianity or any religious system can justify you in God’s eyes. Jesus is the only way to God. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).
Jesus died in our place so we could have a relationship with God and be with Him forever. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).
The story didn’t end with Jesus’ death on the cross, however. He was resurrected and still lives! “Christ died for our sins. … He was buried. … He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Would you like to receive God’s forgiveness?
We can’t earn salvation; we are saved by God’s grace when we have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. All you have to do is believe you are a sinner, that Christ died for your sins, and ask His forgiveness. Then turn from your sins—that’s called repentance. Jesus Christ knows you and loves you. What matters to Him is the attitude of your heart, your honesty. We suggest praying the prayer below to accept Christ as your Savior.