THE GOSPEL IN ITS ESSENCE

Last time, I laid out for you the Gospel message in what was hopefully a clear and concise way.    If we do not have a clear understanding of the gospel message we will never be able to clearly present it to a world that desperately needs this Good News.   Today I want to give you the shortened version, let’s call it “Gospel Essence”.   

I believe that every Christian should know these truths by heart.   This is the skeleton upon which any believer can hang their gospel presentation.    Other information can be added according to the presenters biblical knowledge, but this is the essence of the Gospel.   I would caution that one does not just dump this “Gospel Essence”  on an unsuspecting hearer, but rather it provides the framework for any believer to share their faith in the context in which they find themselves.    Knowing the essence of the gospel means that it can flow out of you naturally in any given circumstance at any given time. 

The Gospel Essence consist of four vital truths which I have place in the form of a question. You will also notice four key words that help you remember the essence of the gospel: 1) God, 2) Man, 3) Jesus Christ, 4) Response.    My hope and prayer is that this will help you be an effective witness for Christ as you seek to take the Good News of the Gospel to a broken culture.

FOUR VITAL GOSPEL TRUTHS

- Answer 4 Vital Questions

GOSPEL TRUTH # 1

Who made us and to whom are we accountable?

GOD: The Righteous Creator

 1. God Is The Creator

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.  (Rom 1:19-20)

Therefore we are accountable to Him.  

2. God Is Holy & Righteous

"the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrigteousness suppress the truth (Romans 1:18)

God is Holy and Righteous and He Will Not - He Cannot Overlook, Ignore, or Tolerate Sin.

 

GOSPEL TRUTH # 2

What’s our problem?  Are we in trouble and why?

MAN: The Sinner

For although they knew God, they did not honour him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.    22  Claiming to be wise, they became fools,   (Rom 1:21-22)

Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. (Rom 3:19)

1. Every Human Being Has Sinned

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)

as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; (Romans 3:10)

Sin is rebellion against God.

Sin is a rebellion against God’s reign and authority in our lives and breaks our relationship with Him.    It is the rebellion of the creature against the Creator.

2. God Actively Judges Sin

Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. (Rom 3:19)

For the wages of sin is death, (Rom 6:23)

 

No one likes to think of judgement but the fact is however that unless you know how bad the “bad news” is, you’ll never appreciate how great the “Good New” is. 

 And this is where the glorious hope of the good news comes into full view.

 

GOSPEL TRUTH # 3

What Is God’s Solution To Our Problem?  How Has He Acted To Save Us?

 JESUS CHRIST: The Saviour

You and I were sinners destined to be condemned.  But God Himself has acted to save sinners like us!

1. The Word Became Flesh

God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ and came into the world so that we could be forgiven and made right with God.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  (John 1:1)

      

2. The Lamb Of God

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  (John 1:29)

God in the person of Jesus Christ, became the sacrificial lamb who died on the cross in our place to take away the sin of the world.

3. The Heart Of The Gospel

He Died For Our Sins (Penal substitution)

The mission of Jesus was to dye as a substitute for our sins.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  (2 Cor 5:21)     

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken,  smitten by God, and afflicted.  5  But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,  and with his stripes we are healed.  6  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;  and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.  (Isa 53:4-6)

 

4. He Rose From The Dead

 - He rose triumphant from the grave as proof that His sacrifice was sufficient for our sins and that He has the power of life over death and the power to forgive and give us new life.

GOSPEL TRUTH # 4

How Can I Be Included In God’s Salvation?  What Makes This Good News?   

RESPONSE: Faith & Repentance

A person is saved from God’s wrath when by faith they turn from their rebellion and trust Jesus Christ and His death on the cross for the forgiveness of sin.

 ...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Rom 10:9)

FAITH

 1. Reliance

Real faith is a rock solid, truth grounded TRUST in the risen Christ to save you from Sin

 2. Righteous Verdict

Real faith is relying on Him to secure for you a righteous verdict from God the Judge

By virtue in you Faith in what Christ has done (1 Cor 15), you are declared “not guilty”

3. Faith Alone

Real faith comes through this kind of faith alone and excludes all self effort.  It comes simply through faith in what Christ did for you.

REPENTANCE

Real repentance is more than just saying you are sorry, it is also means turning from your rebellion against God’s rule in your life and surrendering yourself to His rightful rule in your life. 

The Good News is that God has made a way for you to be forgiven for your rebellion against Him and a new life as you live under His reign.

 EVEN SHORTER:

1.  GOD - The righteous judge

2. MAN - The Sinner

3. JESUS CHRIST - The Saviour

4. RESPONSE  - Faith and Repentance