WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?

If you were to ask the next ten people you see, "What is the gospel?", you would probably get ten different answers. Everyone presumes he knows what the gospel is, but few do. Do you?

THERE IS ONLY ONE GOSPEL, only one word of good news from God to perishing sinners upon the earth. THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL IS GOD'S ORDAINED MEANS OF SAVING SINNERS (Rom. 10:13-17; I Pet. 1:23-25). Yet, few people understand what it is. Most people think the gospel is a proposition, a piece of heavenly advice, or an offer from God. Some think the gospel is the bare, historical fact of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. THE GOSPEL IS THE REVELATION OF WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR SINNERS IN CHRIST. The preaching of the gospel is the declaration, the explanation of "HOW that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures" (I Cor. 15:3). Briefly, three words tell us "HOW CHRIST DIED."

VOLUNTARILY - The Son of God voluntarily laid down his life for his sheep, because of his love for us and because of his eternal covenant engagements as our Surety (John 10:15-18).

VICARIOUSLY - Christ died for God's elect, in the room and stead of those given to him before the world began, those for whom he prays (John 6:37-40; 17:9,20).

VICTORIOUSLY - Our Savior is no failure. He triumphantly accomplished the redemption of his people in his death (Heb. 9:12). Therefore, all for whom he died must and shall be saved!

Donald S. Fortner, Pastor

GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH OF DANVILLE

2734 Old Stanford Road

Danville, Kentucky 40422