The Gospel: What It Is and Why It Matters

ART FROM The Good Sheep 2023 “Algorithm” collection

When people hear the word “gospel,” many immediately think of the four books that open the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books are inspired Scripture and faithfully record the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, the Bible itself makes an important distinction that is often missed. The gospel—the message by which a person is saved—is defined plainly and directly by the apostle Paul.

Paul writes:

“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… 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 15:1–4)

This passage is critical because it does not describe the gospel as a lifestyle, a moral code, or a set of teachings to imitate. It defines the gospel as a finished work: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. Paul states clearly that this is the message by which people are saved.

Understanding the Human Condition

Salvation begins with understanding our condition before God. Scripture teaches that all people are sinners, not merely those who commit visible or extreme acts of wrongdoing.

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10)

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

This is not a matter of comparison between people, but a comparison between humanity and God’s perfect holiness. Because God is righteous, sin carries a real consequence.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

If salvation depended on human effort, improvement, or religious performance, no one could stand before God justified.

What Christ Accomplished at the Cross

During His earthly ministry, Jesus taught truth, revealed the Father, and fulfilled the Law. Yet much of His teaching took place before the cross, under the Mosaic system. The decisive turning point came at Calvary. Scripture emphasizes that the benefits of salvation were secured through His death and bloodshed.

“Without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22)

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

At the cross, Christ did what humanity could never do. He bore sin, satisfied God’s justice, and completed the work required for redemption.

“It is finished.” (John 19:30)

Law, Grace, and the Church

This is where confusion often arises. While all Scripture is profitable, not all instruction is addressed to the same audience in the same way. Paul explains that believers today are not under the Law, but under grace.

“For ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight.” (Romans 3:20)

The book of Romans carefully explains the transition from a works-based system to salvation by grace through faith. Righteousness is not earned; it is credited.

“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:5)

The Sequence of Salvation

Salvation follows a clear biblical order. First, a person hears the gospel.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

Second, the person believes the gospel from the heart, trusting in what Christ has already done.

“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)

Third, the believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit at the moment of belief.

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” (Ephesians 1:13)

This sealing is not a later achievement or emotional experience. It is God’s act, marking the believer as His own.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

What Salvation Is—and Is Not

Salvation is not secured by repeating certain words, performing rituals, or maintaining religious behavior to stay accepted by God. It rests entirely on Christ’s finished work.

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 2:16)

Good works do follow salvation, but they are the result of grace, not the cause of it.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Our Mission

Our mission is to make this gospel clear. In a time of confusion, mixed messages, and misplaced priorities, preaching the true gospel matters. Where money is given, what is taught, and how Christ is represented all have eternal weight.

We seek to help people see the goodness of God through us, because for many, that may be the only exposure they have to biblical truth.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us… hath quickened us together with Christ.” (Ephesians 2:4–5)

It is not about what we do. It is about what He did. And because of what Christ has done, we now have the strength, freedom, and purpose to share His goodness with the world.