What is the Gospel?

God is the holy, perfect Creator of all things. Because He made us, He has the right to absolute authority over our lives. He created us in His image so that we would know Him, honor Him, and live according to His standard. His standard is perfection, and He commands all people everywhere to obey Him.

Gen. 1:1 Acts 17:24-27 Matt. 5:48 Lev. 11:44

Every person has failed to meet God's standard. Instead of honoring our Creator, we have rebelled against His authority and chosen to live our own way. The Bible calls this sin. There is no one who is righteous. Every one of us has fallen short of what God requires.

Rom. 3:23 Rom. 3:10-11 Rom. 5:12 Isa. 59:2

Because God is just, sin must be punished. The Bible is clear that the penalty for sin is death, both physical and spiritual. Spiritual death means eternal separation from God in Hell. This is the sentence that hangs over every person. We cannot earn our way out, and we cannot save ourselves. No amount of good works can undo what we owe.

Rom. 6:23 Heb. 9:27 Rev. 20:15 Titus 3:5

Here is the good news. God loves us and made a way. He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect life and die on the Cross in our place. Jesus took the full punishment for our sin upon Himself. He was buried and rose again the third day, proving His power over sin and death. The debt we could never pay, He paid in full.

Jn. 3:16 Rom. 5:6, 8 1 Cor. 15:1-4 Rom. 3:24 Phil. 2:8

God commands every person to repent of their sin and place their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. This is not about joining a church, being baptized, or doing good works. It is a personal decision to trust that what Jesus did on the Cross is the only payment for your sin. If you believe on Him, you will be saved. If you refuse, you remain under God's judgment.

Acts 16:31 Acts 17:30 Eph. 2:8-9 Jn. 3:36 Rom. 10:13