WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?

The Bible tells the story of God’s steadfast love for his stubborn people. In some ways it’s a sad story, because human beings have made the world such a sad place. But ultimately, it is a happy story. The Christian story is about the good news that God so loved the world he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. Though some may have heard of John 3:16, few know the whole story. It goes something like this…

Creation

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The first man and woman enjoyed a perfect relationship with God. Everything in the universe was good (Genesis 1:1, 31).

Curse

But everything fell apart. Adam and Eve rebelled. Because of Adam’s sin, we are all sinners, doing and thinking what is bad for us and displeasing to God (Romans 3:23; 5:12).

Christ

So God sent his Son, Jesus Christ—full of grace and truth, power and perfection, humility and holiness—to make a way for sinners to be reconciled to God (John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:1-4).

Cross

Jesus died for our sins on the cross, bearing the punishment we deserved. He rose again on the third day in demonstration of his power over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

re-Creation

Just as God raised Jesus to new life, so God is making all things new. In the end, God’s people will live forever, free from pain and full of joy in God’s presence (Revelation 21:5).

Commitment

This good news is for those who turn from their sin and trust in Jesus. None of us deserve God’s mercy, but we can get right with God through Jesus Christ (Acts 2:37-38).

From The Story by Kevin DeYoung (©2011 Good News Tracts)