Sept. 1 | The Gospel Defined

Series | The Heart of Soul Winning

Scripture | Romans 1:17, “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed— a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Lesson 1 | The Gospel Defined

The Greek word for “gospel” in the New Testament is, “euaggelion,” which simply means, “good news.”  Thus, the gospel is the "good news" concerning God's glory and humanity's salvation by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.  As a result, no one can be saved from the wrath of God without believing in the gospel.   

Paul in the above passage states that the righteousness of God is revealed to all those who believe and have faith in the gospel.  In other words, the only way sinful people can be made “right with God” is by having faith in the “good news” of Jesus Christ’s work of salvation.  The Bible makes it clear that because of Adam’s sin, all have been born sinners, Romans 5:19.  However, when Jesus (God the Son) came in the flesh and died on the cross for sinners, He made a way for sinners to be saved.

Paul wrote in Romans 5:18, “Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.”  Jesus’ death on the cross for mankind’s sin was that “one” righteous act that saved us from the curse of sin and God’s wrath.

Here are some helpful things to remember concerning the gospel, (a) After Adam sinned all mankind was then born under the power of sin, Romans 5:18; (b) As people sin in their own free will they reveal their heart is wicked and deserving of God’s judgment, Romans 3:23; (c) Jesus came to earth as a man and died on the cross for mankind’s sins, Romans 3:24-25; (d) When Jesus rose from the dead He proved His sacrifice pleased God the Father and that His message is the only way to receive forgiveness, Acts 17:31; (e) Since Jesus ascended to heaven His disciples have been preaching His gospel (good news) to all the world, Mark 16:20; and lastly, (f) Everyone who believes in Jesus’ gospel is saved and made righteous, Romans 1:17. 

The greatest miracle of the gospel isn’t that Jesus rose from the dead, but that God would so love a sinful world that He would send His only Son Jesus to die in their place so that we would not perish, but have eternal life, John 3:16!

Reflection | Do you believe the gospel?

Action | (1) If you haven’t been saved yet, place your faith in Jesus’ work on the cross, as the gospel teaches, and be saved! (2) All of us, who believe the gospel and are saved, should study it and seek God in prayer to understand it better. (3) Lastly, let us all know the gospel, live the gospel, and share the gospel with others!  

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Job 40:1-42:17, 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, Psalm 45:1-17, & Proverbs 22:14. Click here to read online.