WHAT IS THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST?

By Charles N. Spence, Jr.

In the religious world today many people do not know what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is. Some believe it to be the word of God in its entirety. Others believe it to be the four accounts of Jesus life as recorded in the Bible. Though there is "good news" contained in what people believe to be the Gospel of Jesus, it is not what Jesus commanded his disciples to preach to all the world (Mark 16:15).

A good definition of what the Gospel is can be found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, "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 rose again the third day according to the Scriptures." Now someone might ask, "What is the good news about someone dying?" Consider the words of the writer of Hebrews in 2:14-15, " In as much as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He himself likewise shared in the same, that through death he might destroy him who had the power over death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Also consider the words of Peter in 1 Peter 2:24, "Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, night live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed." Without a doubt there is much "good news" contained in the Gospel of Jesus. The problem is that not too many truly appreciate what Jesus had accomplished in His death. Many people refuse to hear what the gospel message is when they refuse to study God's word. Many who have heard the Gospel message demonstrate a lack of concern and appreciation by refusing to obey it.

People have demonstrated their coldness and unconcern for the gospel message by holding on to their own ideas of what the Gospel is. Here is a message that offers people hope and promise; a message that ought not to be ignored. Dear reader don't you be numbered with the many who refuse to listen to and obey the Gospel. They are worse off then they think (2 The. 1:7-10).