What Is the Gospel?
The word Gospel simply means “Good News.” But to truly understand this good news, we first need to understand the bad news — the problem that all of us face.
Around the world, people talk about “good news” in many ways — from health, wealth, and happiness to peace of mind and personal success. Yet, none of these so-called “gospels” deal with humanity’s greatest problem: sin and guilt before a holy God.
Every one of us has broken God’s law. We have lied, envied, hated, or spoken without love. The Bible says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Because God is perfectly holy and just, He cannot ignore sin. Left to ourselves, we are spiritually dead, separated from Him, and deserving of His judgement.
In Isaiah’s vision of heaven, the prophet cried out,
“Woe is me, for I am undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The Lord of hosts.” (Isaiah 6:5)
Isaiah saw what few dare to see — the terrifying holiness of God. But that is precisely where the good news begins.
The Good News of Jesus Christ
In His mercy, God has made a way for sinners to be reconciled to Himself. He did this through His Son, Jesus Christ.
“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.” (John 3:16)
Jesus, the Son of God, came into the world and lived a perfect, righteous life — the life we could never live. Then, on the cross, He willingly bore our sins:
“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.” (Isaiah 53:6)
On that cross, Jesus took the punishment we deserve. He satisfied the justice of God and removed the guilt of those who trust in Him. Three days later, God raised Him from the dead, proving that His sacrifice was accepted and that death itself had been defeated.
This is the Gospel — that Christ died for sinners, was buried, and rose again so that all who repent and believe in Him might have everlasting life.
How Can I Be Saved?
Salvation is not something we earn through good works, church attendance, or religious rituals. It is a gift of grace, received through faith in Christ alone. The Bible says: “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
To be saved means to repent — to turn away from sin — and to trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. When you do, God forgives your sins, adopts you as His child, and gives you new life through the Holy Spirit.
It is as though you stood before a Judge guilty of a great crime, but then someone stepped forward and paid your fine in full. The Judge could now let you go — not because the law was ignored, but because justice was satisfied. That’s what Jesus did for you.
A New Life Begins
Becoming a Christian is the most wonderful event that can ever happen in your life. When you believe in Christ, you are no longer an enemy of God — you are at peace with Him. You have been made new, forgiven, and loved eternally.
God promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” He will complete the good work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6).
Now, as a follower of Christ, you are called to live differently — not to earn salvation, but to show gratitude for it. The Bible says,
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)
You are now invited to grow in your new life in Christ.
Growing in Faith
1. Feed on God’s Word
The Bible is your daily bread. As newborn babies need milk to grow, so Christians need the Word of God for strength and guidance. “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,” (1 Peter 2:2). Make time every day to read the Scriptures and let God speak to your heart.
2. Join a Church (Membership)
Christ calls every believer into His visible, local church. The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. Scripture calls us to gather for worship and mutual care: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24–25) Therefore, every Christian should formally join a true local church — to receive sound teaching and shepherding, to submit to Christ’s loving discipline, and to serve the body with the gifts God provides. To remain apart from Christ’s church is to resist God’s design for our growth.
3. Pray Daily
Prayer is talking with your heavenly Father. You can come boldly before Him — not as a stranger, but as His beloved child. Speak honestly, thank Him often, and trust His will. God always hears the prayers of His children.
4. Live with Gratitude
A thankful heart is the mark of a true Christian. Even in trials, you can rejoice knowing that God works all things for your good.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Every challenge is an opportunity to trust Him more deeply.
5. Share the Good News
The Gospel is not something to keep to yourself. The world is lost in darkness, and you now carry the light of Christ. Tell others how God has changed your life and how they too can find forgiveness and peace. “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16)
A Living Hope
The Gospel is not only about forgiveness — it is about new life. Just as God raised Jesus from the dead, He promises to raise all who believe in Him to eternal life.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
Until that day, we live for His glory — walking in faith, loving one another, and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.