What is the Gospel?
Everything You Want and Need from God is in the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus
Additional Gospel Study Resources
Main Points of the Gospel
God is love and God loves everyone
Jesus Christ’s Death for Our Sins
Christ died as a substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of humanity, fulfilling the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3, Isaiah 53:5-6).
Jesus' Burial and Resurrection
Jesus was buried and physically rose from the dead on the third day, demonstrating His victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:4, Romans 4:25).
Justification by Faith
Righteousness and justification are received by faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law (Romans 3:22-24, Ephesians 2:8-9).
Salvation through God’s Grace
Salvation is a free gift of God's grace, given to those who believe in Jesus, rescuing them from sin and eternal separation from God (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5).
Redemption from the Curse of the Law
Jesus redeemed humanity from the curse of the law, granting believers the blessings promised to Abraham and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:13-14).
The Kingdom of God
The gospel announces the arrival of the kingdom of God, calling people to repent and believe in this good news (Mark 1:14-15, Matthew 4:17).
Peace with God and Reconciliation
Through Jesus' sacrifice, believers are reconciled to God and have peace with Him, no longer separated by sin (Romans 5:1, Colossians 1:20-22).
Victory Over Death
The resurrection of Jesus guarantees the believer's future resurrection and eternal life, freeing them from the fear of death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57, John 11:25-26).
The Power of God for Salvation
The gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes, both Jew and Gentile (Romans 1:16-17).
Eternal Life in Christ
Through belief in Jesus Christ, believers are given the gift of eternal life (John 3:16, John 10:28).
Key Bible Passages Defining the Gospel
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
"Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures..."This passage emphasizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus as central to the gospel message.
Romans 3:21-24
"But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus..."Here, the gospel is connected to the gift of righteousness and justification through faith in Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8-9
"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."This passage highlights salvation by grace through faith, not by works.
Mark 1:14-15
"Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.'”The gospel here is associated with the arrival of God’s kingdom and the call to repentance and belief.
Romans 5:8-11
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God."This emphasizes the love of God, justification through Christ’s blood, and salvation from wrath.
Galatians 3:13-14
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree'—so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith."The gospel brings redemption from the curse of the law and promises the Holy Spirit through faith.
In understanding salvation as an exchange through Christ, we see the core of the Gospel—Jesus took upon Himself the consequences of humanity’s sin in exchange for us receiving the benefits of His righteousness. This "divine exchange" means that everything Christ endured in His suffering, death, burial, and resurrection was so that we, as believers, might receive the opposite. His sacrifice becomes our legal basis to expect the promises of the new covenant, which were secured by His blood.
What Jesus Paid For
Sickness for Healing
Jesus bore our sicknesses and diseases so we could receive healing and health.
Isaiah 53:4-5 (He was wounded for our transgressions and by His stripes we are healed).
Poverty for Provision
Jesus became poor so that we might experience God’s provision and abundance.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich).
Sin for Righteousness
He took our sins upon Himself so we could be made righteous before God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (He who knew no sin became sin so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him).
Death for Eternal Life
Jesus tasted death for all humanity, offering eternal life to those who believe.
John 3:16 (Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life).
Curse for Blessing
Jesus became a curse for us, breaking the curse of the law and granting us the blessings of Abraham.
Galatians 3:13-14 (Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us… so that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles).
Shame for Glory
He bore our shame so that we could share in His glory.
Hebrews 12:2 (He endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God).
Rejection for Acceptance
He was rejected by men and even separated from God for a moment so that we might be accepted and have relationship with the Father.
Ephesians 1:6 (He made us accepted in the Beloved).
Bondage for Freedom
Jesus freed us from the bondage of sin and death so we could live in the freedom of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:1 (For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery).
Promises of the New Covenant (Paid by Jesus’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection):
Forgiveness of Sins
Through His shed blood, our sins are forgiven, and we are justified.
Ephesians 1:7 (In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins).
Reconciliation with God
Jesus restored our relationship with the Father, giving us access to Him.
Colossians 1:20 (Through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross).
Eternal Life
His resurrection guarantees eternal life to all who believe.
John 11:25-26 (I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live).
Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is given as a seal and guarantee of our inheritance.
Ephesians 1:13-14 (You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance).
Adoption as Children of God
We are adopted into God’s family, becoming His sons and daughters.
Galatians 4:5-7 (That we might receive adoption as sons…you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God).
Healing and Wholeness
Jesus’ suffering makes healing available to us in spirit, soul, and body.
Matthew 8:17 (He took our illnesses and bore our diseases).
Victory over Satan and the Powers of Darkness
Jesus disarmed principalities and powers, granting us authority over the enemy.
Colossians 2:15 (He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame).
Peace with God
We are granted the peace of God, surpassing understanding, to guard our hearts.
Romans 5:1 (We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ).
Inheritance in Christ
As co-heirs with Christ, we share in His spiritual and eternal inheritance.
Romans 8:17 (If we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ).
Resurrection and Glorification
Jesus’ resurrection is the assurance of our future resurrection and glorification.
Romans 8:11 (He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies).
Jesus was Tried, Judged, and Punished for Your Sin
Numbers 21:4 Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very [b]discouraged on the way. 5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul [c]loathes this worthless bread.” 6 So the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died. 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived. NKJV
John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. NKJV
John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” 33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die. NKJV
1 John 2:2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. NKJV
Romans 5:9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. NKJV
Matthew 12:36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” NKJV
Romans 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. NASB
Hebrews 10:26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES. NASB
1 Corinthians 3:10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames. NKJV
1 John 4:15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him, and he in God. 16 We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. 17 By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, we also are in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
Perpetual Sanctification
Sanctification should be understood as perpetual rather than progressive, meaning that we are already sanctified through the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, and this sanctification continues to be effective in our lives. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are immediately made holy and set apart for God’s purposes. This state of holiness is not something we strive to increase or achieve through effort, but rather a gift we receive at salvation. However, sanctification is also a continuous process, in that the Holy Spirit perpetually applies the reality of our holiness to our daily walk. This means we are both already sanctified and continually being sanctified, as we live out the holiness we have received in Christ. Understanding sanctification this way highlights the completed work of Christ while acknowledging the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in conforming us to the image of Jesus.
In Hebrews 10:14, the phrase "those who are being sanctified" uses the Greek verb ἁγιάζω (hagiazō) in the present passive participle form. The Greek text for this phrase reads:
"For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14, NKJV)
The present passive participle in Greek indicates a continuous or ongoing action being performed upon the subject. In this case, it means that believers are continually being sanctified by an external source—God, through the Holy Spirit—based on the completed work of Christ.
Let’s break down how the tense impacts our understanding of sanctification:
1. Completed Action with Lasting Effects (Perfected by Christ’s Offering)
"He has perfected forever" refers to a completed action in the past with permanent results. The Greek verb for "perfected" (τετελείωκεν, teteleiōken) is in the perfect tense, which indicates that Jesus’ sacrificial offering happened in the past and its effects are ongoing and permanent.
This means that through Christ’s one-time offering, believers have already been perfected (made complete) in terms of their standing before God. This standing is forever secure and does not need to be repeated or supplemented by additional efforts.
2. Sanctification as an Ongoing Process (Being Sanctified)
The phrase "those who are being sanctified" uses the present passive participle. This verb form indicates that sanctification is an ongoing action that began when we put our faith in Christ and continues to be applied to us daily by the Holy Spirit.
Present tense: Suggests that sanctification is continual and ongoing.
Passive voice: Indicates that the action is being done to us, not something we do ourselves. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit, not our own efforts.
3. Past Sanctification with Ongoing Effectiveness
When we are sanctified by Christ's offering, we are sanctified in God’s sight. When we were justified, we were also set apart for God’s holy purposes. This happened at the moment of our salvation, and it was a one-time act.
Hebrews 10:10 – "And by that will, we have been made holy (sanctified) through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
This verse uses the perfect tense in Greek, indicating that the action of being made holy is complete but has ongoing results.
In other words, at the moment of salvation, we were sanctified, set apart as holy, and that sanctification continues to be effective every day of our lives. This is a perpetual state of holiness that we live in.
4. We Don’t "Become" More Sanctified; We Walk in Our Sanctified State
Because of this, sanctification is not something we must strive to achieve or increase through our own efforts. Instead, it is a completed work that was initiated in the past and continues to apply today.
We don’t "become more sanctified" through good works or behavior. Instead, our daily walk involves living in the reality of the sanctification that has already been accomplished in Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:30 – "It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness (sanctification), and redemption."
Christ is our sanctification, meaning that in Him, we have already been made holy. We simply walk out the holiness that He has given us through His Spirit.
5. The Ongoing Work of the Holy Spirit in Sanctification
The ongoing, perpetual sanctification is accomplished by the Holy Spirit, not by human effort. As believers, we are continually being conformed to the image of Christ through the Holy Spirit’s power, but this is the application of the holiness we have already received.
2 Corinthians 3:18 – "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
The transformation here speaks to the ongoing work of the Spirit making us live out our sanctified state, not us trying to become more sanctified.
Summary:
Hebrews 10:14 explains that by Christ’s one-time offering, we have been perfected forever, and we are now continually being sanctified. This sanctification is a past event that is continuously effective because of Christ’s work.
Our holiness is not something we achieve through effort; rather, it is a state that we are placed in by God. We live in the reality of our sanctified state by yielding to the Holy Spirit’s work within us.
We are sanctified (set apart as holy) at salvation, and this sanctification continues perpetually by the Spirit.
Therefore, believers don't strive to "become more sanctified." Instead, we are called to live out the holiness that we have already received in Christ, as the Holy Spirit applies this sanctification to our lives every day.
Covenant Benefits We Can Expect to Experience
Healing
Scripture: Isaiah 53:5 – “By His stripes, we are healed”; Matthew 8:17 – “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”
Explanation: Jesus’ suffering and death included bearing our physical illnesses and pains, making healing a covenant promise. Just as He bore our sins, He bore our sickness, ensuring that we can confidently seek healing as part of our inheritance. This is a legal right for covenant believers, grounded in Jesus’ sacrificial work on the cross.
Peace
Scripture: John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you”; Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Explanation: Jesus bequeathed peace to us as part of our covenant inheritance. This peace is more than an absence of turmoil; it is a deep-seated assurance that God is with us, regardless of circumstances. The new covenant brings us into a relationship where God’s peace transcends our understanding, guarding our hearts and minds.
Provision
Scripture: Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus”; Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Explanation: God promises to provide for every need we have, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. In the new covenant, God’s resources are at our disposal, not based on our merit but on our status as His children. He delights in meeting our needs as we trust and seek Him.
Righteousness
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God”; Romans 5:17 – “For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”
Explanation: In Christ, we receive righteousness as a gift. We are legally declared righteous, not because of our works but because of Jesus’ perfect obedience. This allows us to approach God confidently, knowing we are fully accepted, cleansed, and positioned as His beloved children.
Freedom from Condemnation
Scripture: Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”; John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Explanation: The new covenant brings us freedom from guilt and condemnation. Through Jesus, we are liberated from the law of sin and death, living under the law of grace. We are not condemned by our past, for Jesus has paid the penalty, enabling us to live in freedom and joy as children of God.
Boldness and Access to God
Scripture: Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence”; Ephesians 3:12 – “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
Explanation: Because of our righteousness in Christ, we have bold and unrestricted access to God. Under the new covenant, there is no barrier between us and God; we are welcomed into His presence and can come boldly, knowing we are loved, accepted, and valued.
Protection
Scripture: Psalm 91 – “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty”; 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
Explanation: Covenant promises include God’s protection. He commits to being our refuge and fortress, shielding us from harm and giving us the confidence to trust Him in every situation. His protection extends to every area of our lives, as He watches over us as a faithful guardian.
Divine Guidance
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”; Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Explanation: As part of our covenant relationship, God promises to guide us, giving us wisdom and direction. We don’t have to rely solely on our own understanding, as He faithfully directs our paths. This guidance is a result of His commitment to care for us as a loving Father.
Victory over Sin
Scripture: Romans 6:14 – “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace”; 1 John 5:4 – “For everyone born of God overcomes the world.”
Explanation: The new covenant empowers us to live victoriously over sin, not by our strength but by the grace given to us in Christ. His Spirit within us gives us the power to overcome sinful desires and live in freedom, allowing us to experience the abundant life promised to us.
Complete Timeline of Redemption by Grace Through Faith
God Loves Us – John 3:16
God Forgives Us in Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:19
God Calls Us – Romans 8:30, John 6:44
We Respond in Faith and Repentance – Ephesians 2:8, Acts 3:19
Justification by Faith – Romans 5:1, Romans 3:24-25
Cleansing and Sanctification by Christ’s Blood – Hebrews 10:10
Redemption by the Blood of Christ – Ephesians 1:7
Adoption into God’s Family – Galatians 4:5-6, Romans 8:15
Regeneration by the Holy Spirit – Titus 3:5
Union with Christ – Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17
Raised with Christ – Ephesians 2:6
Indwelling of the Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 6:19
Progressive Sanctification (Ongoing Transformation) – Philippians 2:12-13, 2 Corinthians 3:18
Believers as the Temple of God – Ephesians 2:21-22
Glorification (Final Redemption) – Romans 8:30, Philippians 3:20-21