What is the Gospel? Is it “good views”? Some Christians seem to think that the message of Christ is a collection of correct positions. The true adherent of the Gospel is therefore someone who respects the authority of the Bible, believes in the deity of Jesus, understands the proper role of baptism, and rejects unbiblical things such as instrumental music in worship, irregular observance of the Lord’s Supper, and female leadership in mixed-gender assemblies of the church. Standing for scriptural views is, of course, extremely important. Paul begs the church at Rome “to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering words they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded” (Rom. 16:17-18). The Gospel, though, is not merely good views.
What is the Gospel then? Is it “good dos”? Some Christians seem to think of the message of Jesus as a comprehensive list of good things God’s people must do. Do be compassionate. Do read the Bible and pray. Do abstain from sins of the flesh. Do attend worship. Do give generously for the work of the church. Do share your faith with neighbors and friends. Since Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous of good deeds” (Tit. 2:14), it is certainly true that the Gospel produces good works. But the Gospel is much more than a list of good dos.
So what is the Gospel? It is the message that God himself assumed human flesh to release us from our sins and give us life. Paul says “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4). Jesus lives. He reigns in heaven! This is the Gospel. The Gospel is “good news.”