What is the gospel?
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.
2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
New International Version (NIV)
The answer
The gospel is the good news that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, so that everyone who believes may be saved. Paul gives its core in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” It is not advice about making ourselves good enough for God; it is God’s saving announcement about what Christ has done for sinners.
What the gospel announces
- Christ died for our sins: His death addresses the guilt we cannot remove ourselves. He died for sinners, not merely to provide an inspiring example.
- Christ truly died and truly rose: His burial and resurrection belong to the gospel itself. Paul also records that the risen Christ appeared to Cephas, the twelve, more than five hundred brothers, James, all the apostles, and finally Paul himself (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). These are saving events in history, accomplished “according to the Scriptures.”
- God saves through this message: Romans 1:16 calls the gospel “the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes.” Romans 1:17 adds that God’s righteousness is revealed “from faith to faith,” directing our trust away from our own goodness and toward Him.
How the gospel is received
In 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, Paul says this good news is received, that believers stand in it, and that it saves those who hold firmly to the preached word. Receiving the gospel therefore means more than agreeing that Jesus existed: it means believing God’s message about Christ and continuing in it. The gospel places its confidence not in human effort, but in Christ crucified and risen for sinners.
Answered from Scripture · reviewed November 11, 2026
The gospel is the historical announcement that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and was raised on the third day. It is not human advice, moral reform, or a feeling, but God's saving act accomplished in Jesus Christ. To understand the gospel in its biblical fullness is to see how the entire testimony of Scripture anchors our eternal salvation in this single, unchanging truth.
The Core Creed
Christ Died and Rose According to the Scriptures
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NIV)
It defines the indispensable heart of the gospel: Christ's substitutionary death, burial, and bodily resurrection fulfilling the Old Testament.
The apostolic proclamation anchors every hope of salvation upon a concrete historical event: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, the Apostle Paul delivers what he received as of first importance, declaring that the Christian faith does not rest on human philosophy or private mystical intuition, but on datable acts of God in history. Before setting down this creed, 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 establishes that this is the very message believers receive, in which they stand immovable, and by which they are saved if they hold fast to the word as preached.
This historical reality is not left to ungrounded claims. In 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is substantiated by an overwhelming cloud of eyewitnesses—Cephas, the twelve, more than five hundred brethren at one time, James, all the apostles, and finally Paul himself. The gospel arrived not merely as abstract doctrine, but as 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6 testifies, in the living power of the Holy Spirit and with full conviction, received with joy in the midst of affliction.
Furthermore, this redemptive victory fulfills the covenant promises made to Israel. In Acts 13:32-34, Paul preaches in Pisidian Antioch that what God promised to the fathers has been fulfilled to the children by raising up Jesus, the rightful Davidic King. As Jesus Himself declared in Luke 24:46-47 after His resurrection, it was written that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, so that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations.
| Passage | What it says |
|---|---|
| 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 | Paul identifies the preached gospel as the truth believers receive, in which they stand, and by which they are saved. |
| 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 | Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. |
| 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 | The bodily resurrection of Jesus is verified by eyewitness testimonies of the apostles and over five hundred brethren. |
| 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6 | The gospel came not in word only, but in power and the Holy Spirit, received with joy amidst affliction. |
| Acts 13:32-34 | Declares that the good news promised to the fathers was fulfilled in raising up Jesus as the promised Davidic King. |
| Luke 24:46-47 | Christ affirms that repentance and forgiveness of sins must be proclaimed in His name to all nations, fulfilling Scripture. |
Divine Origin
Good News Originating in God and Promised Long Ago
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 1:1-4 (NIV)
Paul traces the gospel back to God's ancient prophets and identifies its divine subject as Jesus Christ the Son.
The gospel was not an improvised remedy conceived after mankind fell into ruin, but the eternal purpose of God promised beforehand through His prophets. In Romans 1:1-4, Paul opens his epistle by identifying his calling to the gospel of God, which was promised in holy Scripture concerning His Son, descended from David according to the flesh and declared Son of God in power by His resurrection from the dead, fulfilled as recorded in Acts 13:32-34.
From the dawn of redemptive history, the shadow pointed forward to the substance. In Genesis 3:15, immediately following the fall, God gave the protoevangelium, pledging that the seed of the woman would ultimately crush the head of the serpent through His own bruised heel. Centuries later, in Genesis 12:1-3, God covenanted with Abraham that all families of the earth would be blessed through his offspring—a declaration that Galatians 3:8 expressly identifies as the gospel preached beforehand to the patriarch.
Centuries of prophetic revelation filled in the portrait of this coming Redeemer. Isaiah 53:4-6 revealed that the Lord would lay on His suffering Servant the iniquity of us all, bearing our griefs and wounds—a prophecy that met its literal fulfillment when Christ bore our sins in His body on the tree, as 1 Peter 2:24-25 explains. Daniel 9:24-26 appointed the prophetic timeline to finish transgression, make reconciliation for iniquity, bring in everlasting righteousness, and see the Messiah cut off, fulfilled when Christ died for the ungodly according to Romans 5:6-10. Through Isaiah 61:1-2, the Spirit-anointed Servant was commissioned to proclaim good news to the poor, fulfilling what 1 Peter 1:20-21 calls the foreordained plan of God manifest in these last times.
| Passage | What it says | Fulfilled |
|---|---|---|
| Romans 1:1-4 | The gospel of God was promised beforehand through the prophets concerning His Son, declared Son of God by the resurrection. | Acts 13:32-34 |
| Isaiah 53:4-6 | The Lord laid upon the suffering Servant the iniquity of us all, smitten and wounded for our transgressions. | 1 Peter 2:24-25 |
| Daniel 9:24-26 | A set time was appointed to finish transgression, make reconciliation for iniquity, and bring in everlasting righteousness before the Messiah is cut off. | Romans 5:6-10 |
| 1 Peter 1:20-21 | Christ was foreordained before the foundation of the world and manifest in these last times for those who believe. | |
| Genesis 3:15 | The protoevangelium promising the seed of the woman who will crush the serpent's head through His own suffering. | |
| Genesis 12:1-3 | The covenant promise that all families of the earth will be blessed, identified in Scripture as the gospel preached beforehand. | |
| Galatians 3:8 | Scripture explicitly calls God's promise that all nations will be blessed in Abraham the gospel preached beforehand. | |
| Isaiah 61:1-2 | Prophecy of the Anointed Servant sent to proclaim good news to the poor and announce the year of the Lord's favor. |
Substitutionary Atonement
Christ Died for Our Sins to Reconcile Us
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sinfor us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (NIV)
It shows that on the cross, God made the sinless Christ to be sin for us, accomplishing reconciliation and righteousness.
At the very heart of the good news stands the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement, whereby God reconciled guilty sinners to Himself. As 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 proclaims, God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them; for our sake, He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. This divine transaction demonstrates the unmerited love of God, for Romans 5:8-11 shows that while we were still sinners and enemies, Christ died for us, purchasing our peace and reconciliation by His blood.
Our desperate estate required nothing less than divine intervention. Romans 3:23-26 explains that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, yet believers are justified freely by His grace as a gift through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood to demonstrate His perfect justice. As Galatians 1:3-4 declares, the Lord Jesus gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age according to the will of our God and Father. Because He is fully God and sinless man, 1 Timothy 2:5-6 identifies Him as the one mediator who gave Himself as a ransom for all.
This finished work leaves no room for human merit. In 1 John 2:1-2, Jesus Christ the righteous is our heavenly advocate and the satisfying propitiation for our sins. First Peter 2:24 affirms that He bore our sins in His own body on the tree that we might die to sin, while 1 Peter 3:18 emphasizes that Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God. Therefore, as Titus 3:4-7 concludes, He saved us not by works done in righteousness, but according to His abundant mercy.
| Passage | What it says |
|---|---|
| Romans 5:8-11 | God demonstrates His love in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, reconciling us through His blood. |
| 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 | God reconciled the world to Himself in Christ, making Him who knew no sin to be sin for our righteousness. |
| Galatians 1:3-4 | Jesus Christ gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from this present evil age according to God's will. |
| 1 John 2:1-2 | Jesus Christ the righteous is our advocate with the Father and the propitiation for our sins. |
| 1 Timothy 2:5-6 | There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all. |
| Romans 3:23-26 | Shows justification by grace as a gift through the redemption in Christ Jesus, put forward as a propitiation by His blood. |
| 1 Peter 2:24 | Affirms that Christ Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree so that we might live to righteousness. |
| 1 Peter 3:18 | States that Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God. |
| Titus 3:4-7 | Declares that God saved us by His mercy and regeneration through Christ, not by works of righteousness we have done. |
Exclusivity and Warning
No Other Gospel Can Grant Salvation
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!
Galatians 1:6-9 (NIV)
Paul places under a solemn divine curse any alteration of the apostolic message of the grace of Christ.
Because salvation is entirely accomplished in Jesus Christ, the apostolic message permits no addition, dilution, or rival pathway to God. In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul pronounces a double anathema upon anyone—even an angel from heaven—who preaches a gospel contrary to the one delivered. Any religious system that conditions acceptance with God on human performance, ritual observance, or moral striving compromises the grace of God and produces a counterfeit gospel that cannot save.
The world continually resists this divine finality. In 1 Corinthians 1:22-24, the apostle acknowledges that the preaching of Christ crucified is a stumbling block to Jews who seek signs and foolishness to Gentiles who seek philosophical wisdom; yet to those who are called, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. As Peter boldly testified before the Sanhedrin in Acts 4:11-12, the rejected stone has become the cornerstone, and there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
This single message remains the sole vehicle of divine deliverance. Romans 1:16-17 unashamedly calls the gospel the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, Jew first and Greek, revealing the righteousness of God from faith to faith. Jesus Himself established this exclusive claim in John 14:6, declaring that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him. Consequently, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 warns of terrible and eternal destruction for those who reject God and disobey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
| Passage | What it says |
|---|---|
| Galatians 1:6-9 | Anyone preaching another gospel contrary to what the apostles delivered is under divine anathema. |
| 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 | The message of Christ crucified is a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but God's power to the called. |
| Acts 4:11-12 | There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. |
| Romans 1:16-17 | The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, revealing God's righteousness from faith to faith. |
| John 14:6 | Jesus declares Himself the only way, the truth, and the life, with no one coming to the Father except through Him. |
| 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 | Warns of eternal judgment for those who disobey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. |
The Kingdom Reign
The Proclamation of Christ the Lord and King
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:14-15 (NIV)
Jesus announces that the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is near, commanding repentance and faith in the gospel.
In Mark 1:14-15, Jesus inaugurates His public ministry with an urgent, authoritative summons: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." This announcement establishes that the gospel is not merely an abstract concept, but the arrival of God's redemptive rule in the person of His Son. Mark opens his record by identifying this message as "the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (Mark 1:1), showing that centuries of prophetic expectation have reached their climactic realization. Throughout Galilee, our Lord displayed this royal power, "preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease" (Matthew 4:23). In the Nazareth synagogue, He applied Isaiah's ancient prophecy directly to Himself: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor... Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:18-21).
Because the gospel declares the arrival of the King, saving faith requires total allegiance to Him. As the apostle explains in Romans 10:9-10, salvation belongs to everyone who confesses with their mouth that "Jesus is Lord" and believes in their heart that God raised Him from the dead. This kingdom message cannot be extinguished by human hostility; Paul closed his earthly course in Rome "proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance" (Acts 28:30-31). Furthermore, Jesus promised that "this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14). History moves toward the triumphant declaration of Revelation 11:15, when heavenly voices cry out that "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever."
| Passage | What it says |
|---|---|
| Mark 1:1 | The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, inaugurating the fulfillment of all divine prophecy. |
| Mark 1:14-15 | Jesus came proclaiming the gospel of God, commanding all to repent and believe the good news of the kingdom. |
| Matthew 4:23 | Jesus ministered throughout Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease among the people. |
| Matthew 24:14 | This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations before the end. |
| Romans 10:9-10 | Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing with the heart that God raised Him from the dead results in salvation. |
| Luke 4:18-21 | Jesus reads Isaiah's proclamation of good news and announces its fulfillment in the hearing of the people. |
| Acts 28:30-31 | Paul concludes his ministry by boldly proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. |
| Revelation 11:15 | Proclaims that the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ forever. |
Standing Secure
Believers Stand Established in the Grace of Christ
With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
1 Peter 5:12 (NIV)
Peter confirms that the message delivered to the church is the true grace of God in which believers stand firm.
Writing to believers scattered across the ancient world, the apostle Peter summarizes the purpose of his letter in 1 Peter 5:12: "I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it." The gospel does not offer a temporary reprieve or a fragile standing; it plants the believer upon the unshakeable bedrock of God's sovereign favor. Because of Christ's finished work, Paul confirms in Romans 5:1-2 that "since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand." It is by faith alone that believers remain secure, not under the dominion of men, but rejoicing in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:23-24).
This security is grounded entirely in the lavish, unmerited mercy of God. In Ephesians 2:8-10, Scripture leaves no room for human boasting: "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." Those who have heard the "word of truth, the gospel of your salvation" are "sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance" (Ephesians 1:13-14). This eternal life originates in the supreme love of the Father, who "gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Such lavish grace demands persevering fidelity, reconciling us to present us holy before God, "if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel" (Colossians 1:21-23).
| Passage | What it says |
|---|---|
| 1 Peter 5:12 | Peter testifies that the message preached to the church is the true grace of God wherein believers stand firm. |
| 2 Corinthians 1:23-24 | Apostles are workers for your joy, testifying that it is by faith in Christ that you stand. |
| Romans 5:1-2 | Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God and access into this grace in which we stand. |
| Colossians 1:21-23 | Christ has reconciled believers to present them holy, provided they continue in the faith, not shifting from the gospel. |
| Ephesians 1:13-14 | Believers who heard the word of truth, the gospel of salvation, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. |
| Ephesians 2:8-10 | Salvation comes entirely by grace through faith as God's gift, leading into appointed good works. |
| John 3:16 | God's love given in His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. |
Universal Mission
The Good News Must Be Preached to Every Nation
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Romans 10:14-17 (NIV)
It links the message of salvation directly to the imperative of proclamation, showing that faith comes through hearing the word of Christ.
In Romans 10:14-17, the apostle Paul reveals the vital link between divine redemption and human proclamation: "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?... So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." The saving truth of the gospel is designed by God to be heralded across every geographic and ethnic boundary. Prior to His ascension, the risen Lord commissioned His disciples with absolute authority: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:18-20). He promised that the Holy Spirit would empower them to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
This global scope was demonstrated when Peter entered the household of Cornelius, preaching "peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)" and testifying that "everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name" (Acts 10:36-43). When the terrified Philippian jailer asked what he must do to be saved, the apostolic answer was singular and direct: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household" (Acts 16:30-31). The ultimate victory of this global mission is guaranteed in heaven itself; the vision of Revelation 14:6-7 depicts "an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people." The good news will gather a redeemed host from all creation to worship the living God.
| Passage | What it says |
|---|---|
| Romans 10:14-17 | Faith comes through hearing the word of Christ, calling for heralds to preach the good news to the world. |
| Matthew 28:18-20 | The Great Commission charges the church to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them to obey Christ. |
| Acts 1:8 | Jesus promises the Holy Spirit's power to make His followers witnesses to the ends of the earth. |
| Acts 10:36-43 | Peter preaches the word sent to Israel preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ who is Lord of all. |
| Acts 16:30-31 | The apostolic answer to what must be done to be saved: believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. |
| Revelation 14:6-7 | An angel flies overhead with an eternal gospel to proclaim to every nation, tribe, language, and people. |
Where in the Bible
| Book | Passages |
|---|---|
| Genesis | 2 · Genesis 3:15, Genesis 12:1-3 |
| Isaiah | 2 · Isaiah 53:4-6, Isaiah 61:1-2 |
| Daniel | 1 · Daniel 9:24-26 |
| Matthew | 3 · Matthew 4:23, Matthew 24:14, Matthew 28:18-20 |
| Mark | 2 · Mark 1:1, Mark 1:14-15 |
| Luke | 2 · Luke 24:46-47, Luke 4:18-21 |
| John | 2 · John 14:6, John 3:16 |
| Acts | 6 · Acts 13:32-34, Acts 4:11-12, Acts 28:30-31, Acts 1:8, Acts 10:36-43, Acts 16:30-31 |
| Romans | 7 · Romans 1:1-4, Romans 5:8-11, Romans 3:23-26, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 10:9-10, Romans 5:1-2, Romans 10:14-17 |
| 1 Corinthians | 4 · 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 |
| 2 Corinthians | 2 · 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, 2 Corinthians 1:23-24 |
| Galatians | 3 · Galatians 3:8, Galatians 1:3-4, Galatians 1:6-9 |
| Ephesians | 2 · Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:8-10 |
| Colossians | 1 · Colossians 1:21-23 |
| 1 Thessalonians | 1 · 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6 |
| 2 Thessalonians | 1 · 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 |
| 1 Timothy | 1 · 1 Timothy 2:5-6 |
| Titus | 1 · Titus 3:4-7 |
| 1 Peter | 4 · 1 Peter 1:20-21, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 5:12 |
| 1 John | 1 · 1 John 2:1-2 |
| Revelation | 2 · Revelation 11:15, Revelation 14:6-7 |
The story in order
- God's promise of a redeemer (c. 4000 BC) · Genesis 3:15 · The first gospel promise, pointing to Christ's suffering and victory.
- Promise of blessing to all nations (c. 2000 BC) · Genesis 12:1-3 · God's covenant promise to Abraham, a precursor to the gospel.
- Prophecy of the suffering Servant (c. 700 BC) · Isaiah 53:4-6 · Foretells the Servant bearing sin for the transgressions of many.
- Prophecy of Messiah's reconciliation (c. 500 BC) · Daniel 9:24-26 · Appoints a time for Messiah to finish transgression and bring righteousness.
- Jesus begins his ministry (c. AD 27) · Mark 1:14-15 · Jesus proclaims the gospel of God and the coming kingdom.
- Christ's death for sins (AD 30) · 1 Corinthians 15:3 · The core of the gospel: Christ died for our sins.
- Christ's resurrection (AD 30) · 1 Corinthians 15:4 · The confirmation of His victory and the basis for salvation.
- The Great Commission (c. AD 33) · Matthew 28:18-20 · Command to preach the gospel of the kingdom to all nations.
- Gospel preached to Gentiles (c. AD 40) · Acts 10:36-43 · Peter proclaims peace through Jesus Christ, Lord of all.
- Paul's ministry of the gospel (c. AD 60-62) · Acts 28:30-31 · Paul boldly proclaims the kingdom and teaches about Jesus Christ.
- The eternal gospel proclaimed (c. AD 95) · Revelation 14:6-7 · An angel proclaims the eternal gospel to all the world.
The Gospel Foretold and Fulfilled
| Foretelling | Fulfilment | Passage |
|---|---|---|
| Seed of the woman crushes the serpent | Christ died for our sins | |
| All nations blessed in Abraham | Gospel preached to all nations | |
| Suffering Servant bears iniquity | Christ bore our sins in His body | |
| Messiah cut off, bringing righteousness | Christ died for our sins, reconciling us | |
| Anointed Servant proclaims good news | Jesus proclaimed the gospel of God | |
| Promise of Davidic King fulfilled | Raising up Jesus as promised King | Acts 13:32-34 |
Christ's Death and Resurrection: The Core Gospel
| The Event | Its Significance | Passage |
|---|---|---|
| Died for our sins | Reconciles us to God | |
| Was buried | Confirms His death | 1 Corinthians 15:4 |
| Raised on the third day | Proves His divine power and victory | 1 Corinthians 15:4 |
| Appeared to witnesses | Verifies the resurrection | 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 |
| Declared Son of God by resurrection | Establishes His divine identity | Romans 1:4 |
The Gospel as God's Power
| Description | Result | Passage |
|---|---|---|
| Power and Holy Spirit | Received with joy amidst affliction | 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6 |
| Message of Christ crucified | God's power to the called | 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 |
| Power of God for salvation | Reveals God's righteousness | Romans 1:16-17 |
| Salvation by grace through faith | Leads to good works | Ephesians 2:8-10 |
Key words
- Gospel (euangelion, εὐαγγέλιον)
- The good news of God's saving act in Jesus Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection. · 1 Corinthians 15:1-2
- Sins (hamartia, ἁμαρτία)
- Transgressions against God's law, for which Christ died as atonement. · 1 Corinthians 15:3
- Resurrection (anastasis, ἀνάστασις)
- Christ's bodily rising from the dead, proving His victory over sin and death. · 1 Corinthians 15:4
- Propitiation (hilasterion, ἱλαστήριον)
- An atoning sacrifice that turns away God's wrath. · Romans 3:25
- Reconciliation (katallasso, καταλλάσσω)
- Restoring a relationship between God and humanity through Christ's sacrifice. · 2 Corinthians 5:18-21
- Kingdom of God (basileia theou, βασιλεία θεοῦ)
- The reign of God, inaugurated by Christ and proclaimed in the gospel. · Mark 1:14-15
- Grace (charis, χάρις)
- God's unmerited favor, the basis of salvation received by faith. · Ephesians 2:8-10
Because the gospel is grounded in historical events foretold by God and fulfilled in Christ, it offers an unshakable foundation for your faith. When you receive and hold fast to this message, you stand securely in God's grace and are saved from wrath. Rest your entire confidence in the finished work and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.
50 passages, each cited once.
Scripture cited
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
- Romans 1:16-17