Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and He was buried and raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. He also appeared to Peter, then to the Twelve. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
The Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Believers need to recognize and prioritize the Gospel, avoiding reducing it to mere religion and duty. The biblical view is that the Gospel includes lostness and condemnation, justification through reconciliation, and ultimately, the resurrection and full consummation. Otherwise, our devotion and energy might be directed toward other pursuits. The Gospel must not be downplayed.
Here are a few clarifying points for a right understanding of the Gospel:
1. The Gospel is all about Christ. It is Christ-centered, focusing on His person, His death, and His resurrection: Christ died for our sins.
2. In biblical teaching about sin, it is understood as an offense to God, and God is always most offended by our sin. God is full of wrath against sin, and sinners stand under His judgment. God sent the Son, the Son did the Father’s will, and God raised the Son. Christ died for our sins; the cross is a historical event. Christ’s death appeases that wrath so we can have peace with God: Christ died for our sins.
The clarifying points for a right understanding fo the Gospel, will continue in the next blog post.