" What Is The Gospel ? "

1st. Corinthians 15:1-7   " MOREOVER, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain (without cause). For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures;  and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:  and that HE was seen by Cephas (Peter), then of the twelve: after that, HE was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep (have died).  After that, HE was seen of James;  then of all the Apostles. "

     One of the key terms of Christianity is  "the Gospel." Exactly what is  "the Gospel ?"  To fully understand it, we must first define the word.  The term gospel means  "good news."  This good news can be about anything; however, the  "Gospel"  to which our Scripture reading refers is the Christian Gospel, that is, the fact that JESUS paid the penalty for our sins in full when HE died on the cross.  That one death was sufficient to pay for the sins of ALL humanity, although sadly not everyone will be saved. Nevertheless, what good news it is that anyone who believes can be saved !

     The death of CHRIST comprises just part of the good news.  The other facet of the Gospel is that JESUS rose from the dead.  Death did not defeat HIM. The body in which the LORD JESUS lived on earth was buried, arose, and left the tomb.  HIS body did not  "see corruption / decay" (Psa.16:10 cf. Acts 2:22-36). HE was raised as proof that GOD the FATHER accepted the payment for sin made by GOD the SON and because  "it was not possible" for death to hold HIM (Acts 2:24).  The Apostle Paul reminded the church in Corinth that the Gospel was a verifiable truth:  CHRIST's death was substantiated by the fact of HIS burial, and HIS resurrection was substantiated by the fact that it was witnessed by over 500 brethren, many who were still alive as of the time of Paul's writing. That CHRIST arose from the dead means that we serve a SAVIOR from sin WHO is alive today.  HE was not just a "good man"  WHO taught helpful concepts and made unsubstantiated claims about HIMSELF and the future.  No other faith worships a living SAVIOR and a personal GOD. Have you believed on JESUS to the saving of your soul ? (John 1:12)  GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide
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