What Is the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
The word “gospel” is often used loosely, but the Bible gives it a precise meaning. Scripture does not define the gospel as moral improvement, religious tradition, or social reform. The gospel is a specific message about what God has done through Jesus Christ to save sinners.
To understand the gospel correctly, it must be defined the way Scripture defines it. When the gospel is altered, minimized, or expanded beyond what the Bible says, it ceases to be the gospel. The Bible presents the gospel as good news rooted in historical events and divine purpose.
1) The Meaning of the Word “Gospel”
The English word “gospel” comes from the Greek word euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον), which means “good news” or “glad tidings.” In the ancient world, this term was used to announce decisive news, such as a victory or the arrival of a king. In Scripture, it refers to God’s announcement of salvation through Jesus Christ.
And Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Mark 1:14–15 (KJV)Jesus Himself preached the gospel. The call to “repent” and “believe” shows that the gospel is not merely information, but a message that demands a response. It announces what God has done and calls people to turn and trust.
2) The Gospel Defined by Scripture
The clearest biblical definition of the gospel is given by the apostle Paul. Rather than leaving the gospel vague, Scripture spells out its essential content.
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:1–2 (KJV)For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (KJV)According to Scripture, the gospel includes four core elements:
- Christ died for our sins.
- His death fulfilled the Scriptures.
- He was truly buried.
- He rose again on the third day, also according to the Scriptures.
These are historical events with theological meaning. The gospel is not advice about what people must do, but news about what Christ has done.
3) Why the Death of Christ Is Central
Scripture teaches that Christ’s death was not an accident or tragedy. It was a purposeful act of substitution, where Christ died in the place of sinners.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 (KJV)The phrase “for us” indicates substitution. Christ’s death addressed the problem of sin and God’s righteous judgment. Without the cross, there is no gospel, because there is no forgiveness apart from Christ’s sacrifice.
4) The Resurrection and Its Meaning
The gospel does not end with the death of Christ. His resurrection is essential because it confirms His victory over sin and death.
Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Romans 4:25 (KJV)The resurrection demonstrates that God accepted Christ’s sacrifice. It also guarantees that those who believe will be justified and raised to new life.
5) How a Person Responds to the Gospel
Scripture consistently presents the proper response to the gospel as repentance and faith. Repentance involves turning from sin, while faith involves trusting in Christ alone.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 10:9 (KJV)The gospel is received, not earned. It is believed, not performed. This is why the gospel is called good news—it announces salvation as God’s gift through Christ.
Conclusion
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that Christ died for sins, was buried, and rose again, according to the Scriptures. It is God’s message of salvation, grounded in real events and divine purpose. To change the gospel is to lose it; to believe it is to be saved.