The Gospel
The Good News of Jesus Christ
You do not have to earn your way to God. Salvation is a gift that God offers to every person who will believe on Jesus Christ.
We Are All Sinners
The first step in understanding the Gospel is recognizing our need for a Saviour. Every one of us has sinned against God.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”— Romans 3:23
Sin is not simply making mistakes. Sin is anything we think, say, or do that goes against God's holy standard. Because every person has sinned, every person needs forgiveness.
Sin Has a Consequence
God is holy and just, and sin carries a penalty.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”— Romans 6:23
The consequence of our sin is death and separation from God. But notice the second half of this verse: God offers the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
We cannot earn this gift by being a good person, joining a church, being baptized, giving money, or doing enough good works. Salvation is something only God can provide.
God Loves Us
Even though we are sinners, God loves us.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”— Romans 5:8
God demonstrated His love by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus took the punishment that we deserved so that we could be forgiven.
Jesus Christ was buried and rose again, defeating death. His death paid for our sin, and His resurrection provides the hope of eternal life.
Jesus Paid the Price
Salvation is not about what we can do for God. It is about what Jesus Christ has already done for us.
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God…”— 1 Peter 3:18
Jesus, the righteous One, died for us—the unrighteous. He made a way for sinners to be brought back to God.
We Must Believe
God offers salvation as a gift, but we must personally receive that gift by believing on Jesus Christ.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”— Romans 10:9
And the Bible gives us this wonderful promise: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
Notice the word “whosoever.” God's offer of salvation is available to every person. You don't have to clean yourself up first. You don't have to become good enough. You come to Christ as a sinner, believing that He died for your sins and rose again.
What Do I Need to Do?
Salvation comes through faith
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”— Ephesians 2:8
If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you can call upon Him today. There is no special prayer that saves you—the Lord Jesus Christ saves. Salvation is received by faith. You can speak to God honestly and put your faith in Jesus Christ. For example:
The words themselves do not save you. Jesus Christ saves. What matters is that you genuinely recognize your sin, believe the Gospel, and place your faith in Jesus Christ.
If you have questions about salvation or would like someone to talk with you about what the Bible teaches, we would love to help. Please reach out to us or visit Harvest. Our desire is to help people find and follow Jesus.