What is the Gospel?
When Jesus began to preach he said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel,” (Mark 1:15).
The gospel is the good news that though mankind is separated from God and under his wrath because of sin, God has made a way for a person to be forgiven of their sins and enjoy relationship with him through faith in the life, death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ.
God was under no obligation to provide a way for people to be forgiven. But because he is rich in mercy and because he is a gracious God, he has provided a way for us to be right with him that is not dependent on our performance or our ability to obey his commands.
The Bible tells us that a person is right with God by trusting in the work of Jesus on their behalf.
...you trust that his sinless life has pleased God even though your sinful life has not (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 3:23)
...you trust that he bore all your sins on the cross and that his death has satisfied God’s wrath against your sin (1 John 2:2; Romans 8:1)
...you trust that his resurrection from the dead is the guarantee of your future resurrection from the dead and never-ending life enjoying the presence of God (Romans 6:5; Revelation 21:1-4)
All of the work to satisfy God has been done by Jesus. We could never do it, that’s why we need Jesus.
What must I do?
Jesus calls you to repent: Acknowledge your sin against God and helplessness to ever be good enough to please him.
Jesus calls you to believe: Believe that Jesus has done all of the work to save you and all that remains is for you to place your faith in him: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved..." (Acts 16:31).
Are you broken? Are you hungry? Are you weary of trying to be good enough?
Jesus calls you to die to yourself and come to him, believe in him, rest in him, learn from him, and live for him.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls,” (Matthew 11:28-29).
Listed below are four passages from the Bible that are particularly helpful for seeing and understanding the beautiful gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Romans 3:21-26
- Romans 5:1-11
- Ephesians 2:1-10
- Titus 3:4-7
What comes next?
Believing in the gospel is not the end of a journey, but the beginning.
Be baptized in Jesus’ name. (Acts 2:38)
Tell other people what Jesus has done for you and what he will do for them. (Acts 1:8)
Meet regularly with fellow believers for meals, prayer, learning, service and encouragement. (Acts 2:42-47)
Live as a citizen of his beautiful kingdom--reflecting to all people his grace, humility, kindness and forgiveness. (Matthew 5:1-7:29)
Anticipate Jesus’ return, his final victory over sin and death, his never-ending reign of peace and righteousness, and his immediate presence with you and his church forever. (Revelation 19:1-22:21)
Do you have questions?
Prairie Hill exists to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all people and to help people grow in their faith. Please get in touch; we’d love to walk alongside you.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17