What is the Gospel?

The just and gracious God of the universe looked upon hopelessly sinful people and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, to bear His wrath against sin on the cross and to show His power over sin in the resurrection so that all who turn and trust in Him will be reconciled to God forever.

A biblical presentation and a biblical response to the Gospel includes five key elements. These five key biblical elements are:

1. The character of God (Romans 1:18-20, 2:1-16, 3:22-24, Isaiah 43:6-7)

   Biblical truth:

   God is the just and gracious Creator of all things.

   Biblical response:

   Realize that we belong to Him, are accountable to Him, and are created to glorify Him.

2. The sinfulness of man (Romans 1:21-25, 3:9-20, 3:23, 6:23):

   Biblical truth:

   We are each created by God, but we are all corrupted by sin.

   Biblical response:

   Admit areas of rebellion, be honest with God about sin, and turn from it.

3. The sufficiency of Christ (Romans 3:21-26, 4:25, 5:6-10, 5:18, 8:1-4):

   Biblical truth:

   Jesus Christ alone is able to remove our sin and reconcile us to God through His death. He alone satisfies the wrath of God for our sins.

   Biblical response:

   Recognize that we are helpless to be reconciled with God apart from Jesus Christ.

4. The necessity of faith (Romans 1:17, 3:20-31, 4:22-25, 6:11-14, 8:10-11, 10:9-13):

   Biblical truth:

   We are reconciled to God only through faith in Jesus. There is nothing we can do to become right with God.

   Biblical response:

   Faith that leads to salvation involves turning from sin and self-sufficiency. We turn to Jesus and trust in Him as Lord, confess Him as Lord and Savior.

5. The urgency of eternity (John 3:14-16, 36, John 10:27-30, 17:3, 1 Timothy 1:16-17, Hebrews 9:12, 1 John 5:11-13):

   Biblical truth:

   Our eternal destiny is dependent on our response to Jesus.

   Biblical response:

   Cry out to God to save you of your sins, put your faith in Jesus Christ and confess Him as Savior and Lord.