What exactly is the gospel?

National Director of REACH Gary Gibbs clears up what it really means and, more importantly, what it doesn’t...

I recently wrote about defining and implementing effective discipleship. The ‘D word’ is being used a lot these days, both in preaching and in written material. I was pleased to add something about the vertical nature of discipleship (strengthening our connection to the Lord) and the horizontal dynamic (open and honest friendships with other believers where we are challenged, encouraged and held accountable).

There is another word being used a lot at the moment, and sometimes I’m not sure whether it’s the correct use of this word – the word is ‘gospel’. Let me be clear:

• Feeding hungry people is not the gospel.
• Working for social justice is not the gospel.
• Serving a ‘Green agenda’ is not the gospel.
• Preaching repentance and faith is not the gospel.

Friends who know me will tell you that I am committed to doing all of the above. My point is simply to say that these activities are a response to the gospel and its effect on our lives. So, what is the gospel? The gospel is Jesus!

Mark begins by writing: “The beginning of t he good news about Jesus…” (Mark 1:1).

Peter, very early in his day of Pentecost sermon declares: “People of Israel, listen to this: Jesus…” (Acts 2:22).

Paul writes to a church which was getting into all sorts of strange stuff: “…I want to remind you of the gospel… Christ died for our sins… he was buried… he was raised on the third day…” (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4).

A lot of evangelistic preaching can be taken up with telling people how bad they are and how each one of us deserves an eternity separated from our Creator. All of this is true and has a place in our clear expounding of gospel truth, but over the years I’ve noticed that when Jesus is lifted up and there is an unfolding of why he lived, died and rose again, the Holy Spirit brings conviction of the need for repentance and willingness to receive the Lord and surrender to him.

Do we need to tell folks that they have trespassed against the Lord? Yes!

Do we need to explain the consequences of rebellion? Of course!

Is it still applicable to invite listeners to pray ‘the sinner’s prayer’? Often!

My appeal this month is that we ensure our main focus is correct. Let’s keep the main thing the main thing.

Ed Stetzer, the influential American missiologist who led some brilliant seminars last autumn for Elim leaders around the UK will often ask on social media for prayer when he is preaching. His classic line is: “Pray we make much of Jesus.”

That is the gospel – who Jesus is and what he has opened up for human beings through his life, death and resurrection.

Let’s make much of Jesus. And then call on people to turn and follow him into eternity!

This article first appeared in the March 2023 edition of Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.

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