Relentless waves of information, images, and icons assault the beach of our lives daily. We crave clear, concise, relevant communication. Even when we find that, we are at risk of being distracted. For the seeker of truth, the Internet offers many spiritual meals to taste and wormholes to plunge into. We can quickly feel like Pilate, who asked Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). To navigate that storm of news, information, and distraction we need the concise gospel.
The gospel explains why the world is as we find it. It also promises a restoration.
The story of Jesus’ life and works is often described as the ‘gospel,’ which means ‘good news.’ Not ‘good rules to follow’ or ‘advice for a more fulfilled life.’ News: the heralding of something noteworthy that has transpired. The gospel explains why the world is as we find it—beautiful yet containing much hurt and sadness. It promises a restoration: an ultimate, forever home. The good news is the account of a rescue mission where the rescuer embodies grace and truth (John 1:14). It chronicles what has been accomplished for us, rather than what we must do to appease our Creator.
Within the Scriptures, we find ‘gospel soundbites’ (2 Corinthians 5:15; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:4-5; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 3:5.). These verses encompass the glorious gospel news of Jesus Christ in a nutshell or summary. They provide focus and emphasis. They are not carbon copies—each presents a stunning, unique, complementary lens on the gospel.
Gospel Soundbites
In one such verse, Hebrews 9:26, we read that Jesus’ mission to earth was to put away the consequences of sin and death by sacrificing his life. This teaching is echoed in Hebrews 10:12. Jesus’ substitutionary death was the complete and necessary payment for the debt of sin. Sin is rebellion against God—any act or thought that relegates God. It causes an impenetrable wall to rise between the creature and the Creator. But Jesus’ sacrifice removes that barrier. Once for all time. Forever.
It’s all grace. All mercy. In case we think too much of ourselves—or too little of him.
In another ‘gospel in a nutshell’ verse, we read that in and through Jesus we receive a gift, eternal life (Romans 6:23). This verse follows Romans 3:23-24, where we read of being justified by grace. The remarkable evangelist John Wesley was converted in 1738 while reading Martin Luther’s preface to his commentary on Romans—arguably the book in the Bible providing the most comprehensive gospel discourse.
We aren’t saved because of anything we have done (2 Timothy 1:9). It’s all grace. All mercy. In case we think too much of ourselves—or too little of him.
Plain Yet Profound
Perhaps the most famous ‘soundbite’ that presents the glorious gospel is John 3:16. It is as profound as it is frequently quoted. Its popularity is in no small part due to the breadth and beauty of the words. This one verse sets out a fundamental aspect of who God is. God is love. He gave Jesus. But the word “gave” came with a weighty price. Jesus endured the horror and humiliation of the cross so we would not perish. A great exchange took place at Golgotha. Our sin for his righteousness. Death for life. Not just life eternal in terms of length—life and joy in all its richness and splendour, as God had initially created it.
The scriptures are like an ocean. In places, they are shallow enough so children can enter, ankle-deep, and experience the good news of Jesus Christ. Yet they are also sufficiently vast and deep that theologians will never fully plumb their depths or stop finding treasures.
Why would a perfect, eternal God die for sinners?
The gospel is both simple and profound, straightforward yet perplexing. Why would a perfect, eternal God die for sinners? Why must it be by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)? But it then dawns on us—if salvation depended on our attainment of perfect righteousness, we would be eternally lost. Thank God for the gospel! It’s remarkable news.
What Will You Do With the Gospel News?
The heralding of this good news, God’s gospel, isn’t meant to echo in a vacuum. It demands a response. Its purpose is to turn our lives around—180 degrees. Paul wrote elsewhere, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved” (Romans 10:9-10).
The gospel demands a response.
When you stand in judgment at the end of your days and are asked why you should be saved, what will you say? Will you say with me, ‘I know that my redeemer lives? He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through him. He is my advocate and the atoning sacrifice for my sins’ (Job 19:25; John 14:6; 1 John 2:1).
Believing Today—And Tomorrow
Believing in Jesus is not just a once-off decision. It changes the trajectory of our lives. Once we surrender to Jesus, our goal is to please him. When we believe the gospel, we are declared right with God. From that day forward, God’s Spirit works in our hearts to make us more like Jesus. God doesn’t immediately take us to heaven—we have a newfound glorious purpose for the remainder of our days.
Believing in Jesus changes the trajectory of our lives.
We are called to be heralds of the gospel: to our family, friends, colleagues, foreigners, and perhaps those across the ocean. In a world saturated with information and people searching for truth, we can confidently say there is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).
