Important Note: Just as with all preachers and authors, it's essential to acknowledge that we, as humans, are all tainted by sin. While we may appreciate various resources and authors, it's crucial to remember that the only infallible source we can fully trust in all matters of faith and doctrine is the Bible—God's own written word. Therefore, while exploring the resources and insights provided, it's vital to filter everything through the lens of Scripture. In the spirit of the Bereans (Acts 17:11), let's diligently search the Scriptures to verify and align with God's truth.
Foundational Resources
Christian Life and Practice
Historical and Theological Enrichment
Educational and Additional Resources
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Recommended Books on the Gospel of Jesus Christ: Discover these essential books that explore the Gospel of Jesus Christ, offering profound insights into His life, death, and resurrection. These works provide a comprehensive understanding of the Gospel's transformative power and its significance for believers today.
- The Gospel According to Jesus, John MacArthur
- Today’s Gospel: Authentic or Synthetic? Walter Chantry
- Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die, John Piper
- Saved from What? R.C. Sproul
- Christ our Penal Substitute, Robert Dabney
- The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, John Owen
- The Cross: The Vindication of God, Martyn Lloyd-Jones
- The Ultimate Rescue, Eryl Davies
- God is the Gospel, John Piper
- Salvation When? Conrad Murrell
- The Gospel’s Power and Message, Paul Washer
What is the Gospel Message?
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and everything within it was declared good. Humanity was made in God's image, designed for a loving relationship with Him. However, sin entered the world through Adam and Eve's disobedience, fracturing this perfect relationship and introducing death and separation from God.
Yet, God, in His infinite love and mercy, had a plan for redemption. Throughout the pages of the Old Testament, He revealed glimpses of a promised Savior who would restore what was lost. Prophets foretold of a Messiah who would come to bear the sins of the world and establish an everlasting kingdom.
In the fullness of time, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born of a virgin in Bethlehem. Fully God and fully man, He lived a sinless life, perfectly fulfilling the Law and embodying God's love and truth. Jesus preached the good news of the Kingdom of God, offering hope to the brokenhearted and healing to the afflicted. He called people to repentance, urging them to turn from their sins and believe in the gospel.
The culmination of His mission came when He willingly laid down His life on the cross, bearing the punishment for the sins of humanity. As Isaiah 53:5 declares, "He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities." On that cross, Jesus became the sacrificial Lamb, atoning for the sins of the world and satisfying the justice of a holy God.
Three days later, He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death once and for all. His resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, affirming His divinity and His victory over the grave. As 1 Corinthians 15:20 proclaims, "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep."
The real gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that salvation is a gift of God's grace, available to all who believe. It is not earned by works or human effort, but received through faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9 declares, "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
This gospel calls people to a transformed life, marked by love, obedience, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers are united with Christ, adopted into God's family, and commissioned to share this message of hope with the world. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God for salvation, bringing eternal life and reconciliation with God to all who embrace it in faith.
The Gospel Message
1. The Good News of Salvation:
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that God has provided a way of salvation for sinful humanity through His Son. Romans 1:16 states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." The gospel is the message of God's grace, love, and redemption through faith in Jesus.
2. Jesus’ Atoning Sacrifice:
Central to the gospel is Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, where He bore the penalty for sin and satisfied God's justice. In 1 Peter 2:24, we read, "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness." Jesus' atonement reconciles believers to God and grants them forgiveness and eternal life.
3. The Resurrection and Victory Over Death:
The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event in the gospel, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. 1 Corinthians 15:17 states, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins." The resurrection assures believers of their future resurrection and eternal life.
4. The Call to Repentance and Faith:
The gospel calls individuals to repent of their sins and place their faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Acts 3:19 declares, "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away." True faith involves a personal relationship with Jesus and a commitment to follow Him.