What Is the Gospel?
The word "Gospel" means “good news.” But good news about what? According to the Bible, the Gospel is the message that God saves sinners through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Biblical Foundation of the Gospel
The Apostle Paul summarizes the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4:
"Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day..."
This message is not new or invented — it is rooted in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New.
The Reformed Understanding
In Reformed theology, the Gospel is not a message of moral improvement but of divine rescue. As R.C. Sproul said:
“The Gospel is only good news when we understand the bad news.”
The bad news is that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). The good news is that Christ came to save sinners — not by our works, but by His grace.
Martin Luther on the Gospel
Martin Luther declared:
“The Gospel is the good news of God’s grace freely given to undeserving sinners.”
This was the heart of the Reformation: salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
John MacArthur: The Heart of the Message
John MacArthur reminds us:
“The Gospel is not a call to come to Jesus and improve your life — it’s a call to come and die, and be raised to new life.”
Voddie Baucham: The Gospel and Culture
Voddie Baucham often speaks of the cultural importance of the Gospel:
“The Gospel transcends culture, race, and politics. It is the one message every human being needs to hear.”
Why the Gospel Matters
The Gospel is not just the starting point of the Christian life — it is the foundation for everything. Paul says in Romans 1:16:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes...”
We must not only believe it but also proclaim it faithfully.
Have You Believed the Gospel?
If you haven't yet trusted in Christ, turn to Him today. Confess your sins, believe in His finished work, and receive the gift of eternal life.