What is the Gospel?

1. God is Holy

God is perfectly holy, righteous, and just. He is the Creator of all things and the standard of all that is good and true.

“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” — Isaiah 6:3 (ESV)

2. We Are Sinful

Every person has sinned and fallen short of God’s perfect standard. Sin separates us from God and deserves His righteous judgment.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23 (ESV)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23 (ESV)

3. Christ Died for Sinners

Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, lived a perfect life and died on the cross as a substitute for sinners. He bore the punishment that we deserve.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.” — 1 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

4. Salvation by Grace Through Faith

Salvation is a free gift from God. It cannot be earned by good works or religious effort. It is received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” — John 14:6 (ESV)

5. Repentance and New Life

The Gospel calls us to repent — to turn from sin and turn to Christ in faith. Those who believe receive new life and are made new creations.

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” — Acts 2:38 (ESV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)