What Is the Gospel?
What Is the Gospel? The gospel is the 'good news' that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe.
Key verse: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (KJV)
The gospel is the 'good news' that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe.
The gospel is the 'good news' that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe.
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." — 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The word 'gospel' means 'good news,' and Paul provides its clearest definition in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day. This simple yet profound message contains the entire plan of salvation. The gospel addresses humanity's greatest problem — sin and separation from God — with God's greatest solution: the sacrificial death and victorious resurrection of His Son. The gospel is not advice to follow but news to believe. It's not about what we must do but what Christ has done. Romans 1:16 calls it 'the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.' The gospel reveals God's righteousness (Romans 1:17), reconciles sinners to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19), and transforms lives from the inside out. It is universally offered — 'whosoever will' may come (Revelation 22:17) — and its effects are eternal. The gospel is both the entry point into the Christian life and the ongoing fuel for spiritual growth.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Yes — the Bible teaches that God's grace is sufficient to forgive any sin when a person repents and believes in Christ.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
2 Corinthians 5:21 Commentary
In-depth study • Salvation & Gospel
Romans 10:13 Commentary
In-depth study • Salvation & Gospel
What Is the Romans Road to Salvation?
Salvation & Gospel
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Sin & Salvation
God Promises Victory Over Sin
Bible promises that you can overcome sin through Christ's power.
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Corinthians on day 324 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Gospel?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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