The Gospel: 3 Circles Gospel Conversations
The Gospel: 3 Circles Gospel Conversations
The gospel simply means “good news.” One of the most biblical definitions for the gospel comes from the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. The Bible tells us that Christ died for our sins and that He was buried and raised from the dead. His death and resurrection are good news for sinners because we can be forgiven of our sin against God. In this regard, Jimmy Scroggins writes, “The gospel is the good news that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and God raised Him from the dead.” He is our only hope to be forgiven and restored in fellowship with God.
The Gospel is the good news that Jesus died on the cross for our sins
Most churchgoers have heard the gospel, but how many truly understand that the gospel is central to the Christian life? Meaning we need the gospel in our lives each day. Scroggins writes, “The gospel is not only our way into the Christian life, but it is also the good news we need each day as we face trial after trial while walking through the Christian life.” The gospel also reminds us that we cannot fix the separation between God and us because of sin. Our sin has caused separation and broken fellowship with God; therefore, through the gospel, we can be restored in a right relationship with God through Jesus. “The gospel continually reminds us that we, in and of ourselves, are unable to fix the brokenness that we and others have caused” (Scroggins).
The Gospel is central to the Christian life
Sin is the main reason why there is a separation or broken fellowship between God and humanity. Sin is why Adam and Eve were ousted from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:23-24). Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, therefore, sinning against God. “The Bible says that our sins create separation between God and us. The Bible says both physical and spiritual death are consequences of sin. Spiritual death is separation from God forever in hell” (Scroggins). It cannot be understated that our sins bring about significant consequences, namely, separation from God.
The Good News
Humanity can be forgiven and can be restored in a right relationship with God. Jesus fixes the separation that is caused by humanity’s sin. That is good news! “God took the sins of the world and placed them on Jesus. As Jesus was dying on the cross…He had the sin and the brokenness and the shame of the world hanging on the cross with Him. When someone repents and believes, God exchanges that person’s sin for the righteousness of Jesus” (Scroggins). Jesus’s death on the cross pays for the debt of sin that humanity caused.
Questions
What is the most important message of 1 Corinthians 15:1-8?
What is the gospel? How has the gospel been “good news” to you?
Have you ever trusted the gospel message to rescue you from your sins?
Resources
3 Circles: Gospel Conversations For Life by Jimmy Scroggins
