The gospel is the central theme of the Bible. It is the message of salvation by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The gospel tells us about the world as it really is – corrupt and broken by sin. But it also tells us about Christ’s life, death, and resurrection – the means by which we can be forgiven of our sin, be brought into a right relationship with God, and enjoy eternal life. (I Corinthians 15:1-5; Luke 24:46-48).
Sin – which is anything contrary to God’s standards – destroys the relationship between God, who is perfectly holy, and humanity. We become alienated from Him. We see the consequences all around us in damaged lives and relationships, and widespread suffering – and if we’re honest, in ourselves. Most seriously, sin means death: “for the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23). This death is not just physical, but spiritual death – separation from God. This separation continues through life and after death in eternity – a place the Bible calls “the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15) – if a person’s sins are not forgiven.
But God in His great love, mercy, and grace has intervened to provide the forgiveness we need. He has done this in the person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (I John 4:14). God sent Him into this world to die upon the cross so that salvation could be made freely available for everyone (Romans 5:6-8). Every person who turns away from their sin and trusts Jesus Christ to save them is guaranteed eternal life (Romans 6:23, 8:38-39; John 3:16).
No one is born a Christian. Nor can an individual save themselves through good works, religious observance, or be saved by another person. Salvation requires an individual decision to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and the value of His sacrifice on our behalf. (Acts 16:31).
Only God has the power to rescue fallen men and women, and He does this immediately when people trust Jesus Christ for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).
More information on the gospel message can be found here.