What is the "gospel" anyway?

If asked, almost every church-going teenager would say that they believe in the gospel.  We have heard the word in church, and realize that we are supposed to.  But, what is it?  It is such an unusual word.  What does “gospel” even mean?

Some teenagers falsely think that it is something we, as Christians, can just live out. In other words, a certain Christian lifestyle might be considered gospel living.  Others seem to think it has to do with making their society a better place.  And some think “the gospel” has to do with having the best life we can, and then telling others how they can too.  

Actually, the gospel just means “the good news.”  It is a proclamation with a specific message.  So what is this good news?  Well, to understand the good news sometimes it is best to look at the bad news first.  

God lets us know, through His word the Bible, that we are all sinners that deserve the wrath of God.  We have broken His rules, and now there is nothing we can do, in ourselves, to correct the problem.  Our sin separates us from God’s love both in this life and for all of eternity.  Think about it. That has to be the worst news ever!  Enemies of the very one that created the universe. That’s not good!

However, the good news is that through Christ, we can be saved from all of that.  You see, Jesus was God and man.  He lived a perfect sinless life.  He willingly died on the cross, and took the sins of all believers on himself. He took the punishment for us.  He fulfilled God’s laws perfectly.  He was completely holy and righteous. Through his perfect life, death, and resurrection, Jesus made the way for us to be saved.  He paid the price for our sin, so that we could be seen as righteous! Amazing! We can be saved from being enemies of God in this life, saved from our sins, saved from hell, and spend eternity in heaven!  Wow, now that is indeed good news!

The New Testament is filled with stories of great men like Stephen, Peter, and Paul who risked their lives to get the gospel to others.  The apostles and early Christians literally died to get the good news to others.  Why, because as you can see the message was that important.

What about you?  Was today the first time that you have heard the gospel?  Do you see the bad news and why the good news is so good?   Then do as Paul commands, and believe. “’Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:30-31 ESV).

Maybe you heard the gospel years ago and are truly a Christian, are you sharing the good news? It is a message that your friends desperately need to hear! Start today, share the good news with someone, and never stop sharing it.  

“They continued to preach the gospel,” (Acts 14:7).

—Trey Talley

Trey is the Assistant Pastor/Student Minister at Northview Baptist Church and a leader of Team Impact Ministries. He’s a gifted motivational speaker who has a unique ability to speak compelling truth to young people with love and sincerity, and the author of “Teen Construction Zone: Building a strong foundation for a great life”. www.TreyTalley.com