The gospel?
As a missional church, we’ve been exploring various ways to share the gospel.
From the simplicity of the 3 Circles to the depth of Alpha, any tool is better than none—after all, you can’t harvest without a plough! However, amidst our laughter and brainstorming, the question remains: “Will it work?”, “Can I actually remember all this?”, “Is there a better way?” Yet, lurking behind these queries is a more profound enigma: What exactly is the gospel?
This is a vital question. Like the word “love,” the meaning of the gospel seems clear until you try to explain it out loud. Unlike love, though, we can reach a robust mutual understanding. Consider Paul the Apostle, who declared, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). This isn’t just an enthusiastic claim—it’s a monumental truth. The gospel isn’t merely at the core of the prophetic message; it is the heart of it. We desire not only for people to know Jesus but to love, serve, trust, and obey Him—not through grim duty but through a genuine affection stirred by a heart transformed by grace.
So, what is the gospel?
Put simply, the gospel is the joyous news that Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, died for our sins and rose again, eternally victorious over His foes, ensuring that there is now no condemnation for those who believe, but only unending joy. That’s the gospel—signed, sealed, and delivered!
The gospel isn’t something we graduate from once saved. It remains the bedrock of our daily strength. Consider a ship in a violent storm: the crew panic-stricken, the waves monstrous. Amidst the turmoil, the captain drops a heavy cast-iron anchor into the abyss. It holds, securing the ship and soothing the crew’s fears. This anchor is the gospel. No matter how fierce life’s storms, the gospel remains steadfast, providing peace and reassurance.
Great comfort & reassurance
Amidst regional wars and political unrest, not to mention a severe cost of living crisis, many face challenges greater than any storm. Hold fast to these words: “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).
This is the unyielding gospel promise: “He has not destined you for wrath but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for you so that whether you wake or sleep, you will live with him.” It’s a done deal. Peace like a river. The gospel is God’s grace-filled message that transforms everyone it touches.
The Bible is a treasure box of encouragement because it meets our manifold needs. Each page unfurls aspects of the gospel, favour, and grace, addressing the myriad challenges believers face. By immersing yourself in Scripture, constantly focusing on what Christ has achieved and secured, God provides precisely what we need. Thus, every believer can proclaim, “Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen” (Romans 16:25, 27).
A message of victory
Through Jesus Christ, God decisively entered history. His death totally shattered the powers of hell, death, Satan, and sin—victory proclaimed by the gospel. For those not yet trusting in Jesus, the urgent call is this: lay down your arms. Embrace the gospel that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Righteous One, died for your sins.
He rose on the third day, victorious over all His foes. He reigns until all enemies are subdued. Forgiveness of sins and righteousness with God come solely through Him, by faith alone. Rely not on your own strength—it will falter. Only the strength provided by God through the gospel will uphold you.
That’s the gospel. It’s worth living for – and it’s worth telling to anyone who will listen!