What is the Gospel?

First, it is God Himself.

Second, it is Jesus Christ, who is God incarnate (Jn 1:1, 14).

Third, it is good news revealed in the Bible, which is the Word of God.

Fourth, it is narrowly defined by the apostle Paul’s focus in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, where the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus are considered the crux of the matter.

Fifth, it pertains to what God has done for His people, in sending His only begotten Son to save them (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:16). Thus, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not good news for the wicked reprobate. In fact, he thinks it is foolishness (1 Cor 1:18–19).

Sixth, because it is news, it consists of a message from God to all people, proclaimed by men of God (Mt 24:15; Mk 16:15; Acts 17:30).

Seventh, the Gospel is not offered to anyone. People hear the message preached, and because the message is the Word of God, it is the power of God to make them hear and to give them faith (Rom 10:17), when it is illumined by the Spirit of God (Jn 6:63).

Conclusion: the Gospel is a bit more than just “good news” or a formula; rather, it consists of everything that pertains to God in Christ, in the salvation of His people, as revealed in the entirety of Holy Writ.

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

February 4, 2022