What Is the Gospel?
This is more difficult to answer than you might think. Today, the gospel is so individualized that man has become the center. Prosperity, health, the promotion of self-esteem, and human reconciliation dominate. Is this the biblical gospel? No!
Ruined by Sin. The true gospel begins with man’s original innocence lost due to rebellion against God. Adam sinned, and in him the entire human race (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12ff.). Original sin is now confirmed in every human being, for all sin (Romans 3:10-18, 23; Ephesians 2:1-4).
Redeemed by the Son. God in his grace sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, very God and very man, to redeem guilty sinners. He alone is the Savior, who provided a way back to God by his life, death, and resurrection (Romans 3:21-26).
Reconciled to God. Faith alone in Jesus Christ brings the guilty back into a right relationship with God. God is reconciled and man is justified (Romans 5:1-11). The gospel is a message about God, man, and the Savior.
Restored to life. In Christ, the believer receives every saving blessing through the Holy Spirit, who enables him to die to sin and to live a holy life to the glory of God (Ephesians 1:3, 13-14).