The Gospel: The Greatest News Ever Told
The word gospel literally means good news. It is the most important message anyone could hear: though we are sinners separated from a holy God, He loves us and has made a way for us to be forgiven, transformed, and guaranteed eternal life with Him.
1. Our Condition – All Have Sinned
The Bible teaches that every person is born a sinner. Romans 3:10 says, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:23 declares, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Sin is anything we think, say, or do that violates God’s perfect standard—and it separates us from Him. Even our best efforts, like trying to be a good person, give to charity, or go to church, can’t erase our sin or make us righteous before God (Isaiah 64:6).
2. The Consequence – Death and Separation
Because God is holy and just, He must punish sin. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death…” This death is not just physical but spiritual—eternal separation from God in hell (Revelation 20:14-15).
This is the bad news: we are helpless in our sin and face God’s righteous judgment.
3. God’s Love – Jesus Christ Came to Save Us
But here is the good news: God loves us so much that He provided a way of salvation! Romans 5:8 proclaims, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, to live the sinless life we could not live. He willingly went to the cross and died as our substitute, bearing the punishment we deserved (2 Corinthians 5:21). Three days later, He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). His resurrection proves His deity and guarantees eternal life to those who trust Him.
4. Our Response – Repentance and Faith
Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something we can earn or deserve (Ephesians 2:8–9). We receive it by repenting(turning from sin and self-reliance) and placing our faith in Jesus Christ alone. Acts 16:31 says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”
Romans 10:9-10 clarifies how: “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.” Verse 13 promises, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
How to Accept Christ as Your Savior
If you realize your need and desire to place your faith in Christ alone, you can express that faith in a prayer like this:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. Right now, I turn from my sin and trust Jesus alone as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me, make me Your child, and give me eternal life. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
It’s not these words that save you, but your sincere faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross.
What Happens When You’re Saved?
When you accept Christ by faith:
You are forgiven — all your sins, past, present, and future, are washed away (1 John 1:7).
You become a child of God — John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God…”
You receive eternal life — John 3:16 promises, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
You have a new life and purpose — 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature…”
What Should You Do Next?
After trusting Christ, here are important steps to grow in your new faith:
Tell someone about your decision (Romans 10:11).
Read your Bible daily to learn more about God’s truth.
Pray regularly to talk with God and strengthen your relationship with Him.
Join a Bible-preaching church where you can be baptized, learn, and fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:25).
Follow the Lord in baptism, which is an outward testimony of your inward faith (Acts 2:41).
The Invitation
God offers this gift of salvation to everyone—including you. He loves you and wants a relationship with you. Will you accept Jesus Christ today?
I would love to know about your decision. Feel free to reach out to me at andrew@andrewmcguire.or!