“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
1 CORINTHIANS 15:3–4The gospel simply means good news. The Bible says this good news is of “first importance” — it's the most important story in the world. The gospel is the story of how Jesus died for our sins and was raised to life again.
Most people think the gospel means “be good, and God will reward you.” But that's not it. The gospel is a gift, not a reward. How you respond to this story will shape your life now and forever after you die.
These pages tell that true story.
“I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.”
ISAIAH 44:6The story begins with the one true God. He has always existed, uncreated and eternal, as three Persons in one God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
He holds the universe together, and he knows your every thought. There is nothing in all of creation that is hidden from his sight. He is unrivaled in his greatness.
And he is also good.
“The LORD is good and his love endures forever.” (Psalm 100:5)
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
GENESIS 1:1Why is there something rather than nothing? It's because God spoke, and the whole universe came to be. Then he made mankind in his image. Unlike anything else he made, human beings were given a special purpose, made to reflect the nature of God.
God called his creation very good, but only after he made mankind.
You were made for God.
“All things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16)
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
ROMANS 3:23Although God made us to be with him, he gave us freedom to choose whether or not to obey him. Instead of following his commands, every one of us has broken them. The Bible calls this sin, and we have all been tainted by it.
It's easy to see this in others and overlook it in ourselves. But the Bible is clear that you have sinned too, falling short of God's standard. Your sin has separated you from a good and perfect God.
“The wages of sin is death.”
ROMANS 6:23AA wage is what you earn through your work. The Bible says sin pays a wage too, and that wage is death. This is not only physical death but what the Bible calls the second death: being cut off from God forever in Hell (Revelation 20:14; 21:8).
Like everyone else, your sin has earned you the wage of death and Hell. While you may have done good deeds compared to some others, none of them will take away your sin and bridge the divide between you and God. It's a hard truth to face. But it's exactly why you need good news.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
JOHN 3:16AGod always had a plan to save us, and at just the right time, he sent a savior. Long before Jesus was born, prophets foretold who he would be: born from the line of King David, to a virgin, in the town of Bethlehem. He would minister near the Sea of Galilee and have his hands pierced for our sins. He would be fully man and fully God.
Who else could this savior be but Jesus Christ?
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
ROMANS 5:8Jesus lived a remarkable life. He healed the sick, walked on water, and spoke with the authority of God. He was a friend to the poor and broken. But more than anything else, he came to save sinners because of his great love.
Unlike us, Jesus lived a perfect life. He never sinned. But he still chose to take our place and die on a cross.
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us.”
2 CORINTHIANS 5:21Do you know why Jesus had to die? Because God is just, and he cannot look past evil. Picture a courtroom: a judge cannot free a guilty person because they have also done good. The crime cannot be ignored.
God did something no human judge would or could do. He issued a death sentence for the crime of our sin, but then he stepped down from his throne, in the person of Jesus, and took the guilty sentence as his own. Jesus became sin for you, which means that he willingly took the guilt of every sin you've ever committed. He paid for those sins, and he now offers you the gift of forgiveness. On the cross, both the love and justice of God were on display.
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”
MATTHEW 28:6Every other prophet and religious leader in history died and stayed dead. But Jesus rose from the dead and walked out of his tomb. He broke the curse of death and he is alive forever!
Jesus appeared to many people after he rose from the dead. His followers proclaimed what they had seen even in the face of severe persecution, and there is no record of any eyewitness ever recanting their testimony. The resurrection validates everything Jesus claimed and gives hope to all people. Jesus conquered death, and now he offers you the gift of eternal life.
Everyone who hears about Jesus will respond in one of three ways.
Not being convinced that Jesus died for your sins and rose to life.
Believing the facts about Jesus without being willing to trust him with your life. Even the demons believe this much — and shudder (James 2:19).
Faith is simply belief paired with trust in Jesus. It does not require zero doubt and it is not a blind leap. It is a decision to turn from sin and trust that Jesus is Lord, that he died for your sins, and that he rose to life.
Faith in Jesus is the only way to receive the gift of forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Grace is a gift that cannot be earned. It must be received.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…”
EPHESIANS 2:8AUnbelief, Agreement, Faith, or Assurance.
I'm not convinced that Jesus is Lord or that he died for my sins and rose to life.
I do believe, but I am not willing to trust my life to Jesus as Lord.
I'm willing to trust Jesus as Lord — to forgive my sins, and give me eternal life.
I've already placed my faith in Jesus and continue to trust him as Lord of my life.
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
ROMANS 10:9This Bible verse explains faith in two parts. To declare that Jesus is Lord is to recognize that he is God and choose to follow him instead of being ruled by sin. To believe is to trust that he died for your sins and that God raised him from the dead. You can take this step of faith now by praying a simple prayer like the one below:
I turn from my sin, and I turn to you.
I believe Jesus died for my sins, and you raised him from the dead.
I declare that Jesus is Lord of my life, and I trust him alone to save me.
Thank you for the gift of forgiveness and eternal life.
In Jesus' name, amen.
If you've placed your faith in Jesus, the Bible says all your sins are forgiven and you are now a child of God! This is the beginning of an incredible new life. Here's where to start:
A church will help you grow as a follower of Jesus. You are not meant to do this alone!
Baptism outwardly demonstrates what Jesus has already done in you.
Start with the Gospel of John, read a little each day, and ask God to help you understand it.
Let a Christian friend or family member know so they can celebrate with and support you.
A few places to keep going, wherever you are.
Watch the Gospel
The gospel story, told clearly, in just a few minutes.
Ask the Hard Questions
Honest answers to real doubts.
Read It Yourself
The full Bible, free, right on your phone.
Find a Church Anywhere
Moving or just visiting? Find one near you.
Keep Growing
Simple guides for your next steps.
Fill Your Mind
A playlist of great music to fill your mind with truth.
Come join us for church
on Sunday!
Whether you've just placed your faith in Jesus or you're still working through it, we'd love to meet you. Come as you are. We'll try our best to answer your questions and walk with you.