What is the Gospel?

Can you define “gospel” in a sentence or two?

Amazingly, many Christians are unclear about the gospel.  Oh, I knew the Greek word for gospel which is “euangelion” (εὐαγγέλιον) and could translate it accurately into English.  But I was unable to say the gospel clearly in such a way that people understood and experienced its power.   I was a seminary graduate, yet  I was fuzzy about the “good news” until I read a little pamphlet by an unknown author.  The writer pointed me to I Corinthians 15:1-4 where St Paul defines the gospel clearly and succinctly.

“Now I make know to you, brethren, the gospel. . .”

What follows is a clear definition:  Christ died for our sins—Christ was raised from the dead.

Since the definition of the gospel is of high importance verification is added:

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.  Christ was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures.

Still further verification is added:

Christ died for our sins and He was buried.  The burial gives evidence of His death—we don’t generally bury live people!

Christ was raised from the dead and He appeared to Cephas (Peter), the twelve disciples, and more than 500 at one time.

Why is the gospel definition so important?  Because it is the power of God to save (rescue and deliver) people.  I was once expressing my faith to a clerk at a grocery store.  My words were just that—words—until I mentioned, “Jesus Christ died on the cross to save us from our sins.  He was raised from the dead” and gave us the free gift of salvation.  The gospel words struck the clerk’s heart.  She responded to the further invitation to receive Jesus Christ then and there.

Let there be no confusion about the gospel–it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.  The gospel strikes hearts and needs to be a part of any clear witness of Jesus Christ.