Understanding the Gospel
LESSON 1
What is the Gospel?
The Scriptures themselves probably define what the Gospel is best. The Apostle Paul writes:
“For I am not ashamed of the GOSPEL, because it is the POWER OF GOD THAT BRINGS SALVATION TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES…” Romans 1:16
Here is a rather deep, but thorough explanation of the gospel also written by Paul. (Please read it slowly to grasp the profound revelation given here.)
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now He has RECONCILED YOU by Christ’s physical body through death to present you HOLY IN HIS SIGHT, without blemish and FREE FROM ACCUSATION… THIS IS THE GOSPEL.” Colossians 1:21-23
Notice importantly, that is says that Christ is the one who reconciled us back to God… It wasn’t our doing. He did it through His death on the cross. He bought us with a price, even His own life. We will be worshipping and thanking Jesus for eternity, for what has done for us. “We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
Why is it Called the "Good News"
The word “gospel” in the Greek language is translated “good news”. It is referred to as the good news because that is exactly what it is. When we believe the gospel, we are able to receive God’s free gift of salvation with the hope of eternal life in Heaven. We become heirs of the promised inheritance God has prepared for all His sons and daughters! And that is GOOD NEWS!
How does a person receive Salvation?
Here are a few good verses of Scripture which clearly answer this for us:
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, YOU WILL BE SAVED.” Romans 10:9
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever BELIEVES IN HIM would never perish, but have ETERNAL LIFE.” John 3:16
“And you were INCLUDED in Christ when you heard the message of truth, THE GOSPEL of your salvation. WHEN YOU BELIEVED, you were MARKED IN HIM with a seal, the promised HOLY SPIRIT.” Ephesians 1:13
God did His part (the big part), by sending His own son Jesus who paid the ultimate price for us on the cross. He opened the way for anyone to be able to approach Him through His son. Our part is believing in Jesus and what He did for us, and then receiving Him into our hearts by faith.
Maybe you prayed the salvation prayer on our video… or maybe you have already received Christ previously. Either way, God promises to honor a sincere heart that calls out to Him in faith. If you haven’t settled your own salvation, please go back and watch the “I Want To Go To Heaven” video on the home page of this website.
