What is the Gospel?
At its core, the word “gospel” means “good news.” But what exactly is this good news? It’s the life-changing message that we can be saved from the penalty of sin and receive eternal life with God through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Unfortunately, many so-called “gospels” exist today, offering a false hope. These versions of salvation require people to follow rigid rules, striving endlessly to be “good enough” in the hopes of earning their way to Heaven. That’s not good news at all—it’s a burden! Imagine being told, “Just do your best, and maybe, if you’ve done enough, you’ll make it.” That kind of uncertainty leaves people anxious, wondering if they’ll ever measure up.
But the true Gospel—the one found in the Bible—is radically different. It’s not about what we do; it’s about what Jesus has already done. Let’s break it down.
Unfortunately, many so-called “gospels” exist today, offering a false hope. These versions of salvation require people to follow rigid rules, striving endlessly to be “good enough” in the hopes of earning their way to Heaven. That’s not good news at all—it’s a burden! Imagine being told, “Just do your best, and maybe, if you’ve done enough, you’ll make it.” That kind of uncertainty leaves people anxious, wondering if they’ll ever measure up.
But the true Gospel—the one found in the Bible—is radically different. It’s not about what we do; it’s about what Jesus has already done. Let’s break it down.
What Does
it Mean to
be "Saved"?
You may have heard phrases like:
- “You need to be saved.”
- “You must be born again.”
- “Accept Jesus as your Savior.”
While these words may sound familiar, what do they actually mean? To be saved means to be rescued—from sin, from spiritual death, and from eternal separation from God. The Bible teaches that God is holy and will one day judge the world. Those who have not been saved will face that judgment. But God, in His love, has provided a way for us to escape judgment and receive eternal life.
Why do I Need to be Saved?
Some may ask, “Why do I need to be saved? I’m a good person.” It’s a common thought, but it misses an important truth: God’s standard is not “pretty good”—it’s perfection. Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
That means every single person has sinned—we have all missed the mark of God’s holiness. Romans 3:10 reinforces this: “There is none righteous, no, not one.”
And here’s the serious part: Sin carries a penalty. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death…” Just as wages are what we earn for our work, the wages of sin is spiritual death—eternal separation from God. This isn’t just physical death, but spiritual death—an eternity apart from God in a place the Bible calls Hell (Revelation 21:8). That’s why we need to be saved. Sin separates us from God, and without salvation, we have no hope.
That means every single person has sinned—we have all missed the mark of God’s holiness. Romans 3:10 reinforces this: “There is none righteous, no, not one.”
And here’s the serious part: Sin carries a penalty. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death…” Just as wages are what we earn for our work, the wages of sin is spiritual death—eternal separation from God. This isn’t just physical death, but spiritual death—an eternity apart from God in a place the Bible calls Hell (Revelation 21:8). That’s why we need to be saved. Sin separates us from God, and without salvation, we have no hope.
How Can I
be Saved?
Many people believe they need to do something to earn salvation—pray a certain prayer, join a church, or do enough good deeds. But the Bible is clear: Salvation isn’t something we achieve—it’s something we receive. In Acts 16:30-31, a man asked the Apostle Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul’s response was simple: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”
Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. That means trusting in who Jesus is—the Son of God—and in what He has done—dying for our sins and rising again. Some might say, “That’s too easy! You mean all I have to do is believe?” Yes—but belief isn’t just acknowledging that Jesus existed. It means placing your full trust in Him as your Savior, accepting that His death on the cross was the complete payment for your sins, and believing that He rose again to give you eternal life.
Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” And John 3:16 assures us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. That means trusting in who Jesus is—the Son of God—and in what He has done—dying for our sins and rising again. Some might say, “That’s too easy! You mean all I have to do is believe?” Yes—but belief isn’t just acknowledging that Jesus existed. It means placing your full trust in Him as your Savior, accepting that His death on the cross was the complete payment for your sins, and believing that He rose again to give you eternal life.
Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” And John 3:16 assures us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Will You Accept this Free Gift?
Think about your life for a moment.
What are you trusting in to get to Heaven?
The Bible says that none of these things can save us—only Jesus can. Salvation is not about what we do—it’s about what Jesus has already done. The choice is yours. Will you recognize your sin and your need for a Savior? Will you put your trust in Jesus alone for salvation?
Admit that you’re a sinner in need of a Savior, and ask for forgiveness of your sins. Believe that Jesus died and rose again to pay the penalty for your sins and give you new life in Him. Giving your life to Jesus is the first step, but discovering how to become more like Christ and growing in your faith are lifelong commitments.
If you’re ready to take this step, then pray the prayer below. There’s nothing special about these particular words, so feel free to make them your own. What’s important is that you’re acknowledging your genuine need for God, your belief in Jesus, and making a commitment to Him:
If you’ve made this decision, you can be assured of your salvation! Romans 10:9 says, “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.”
What are you trusting in to get to Heaven?
- Your good deeds?
- Your church attendance?
- Your baptism?
The Bible says that none of these things can save us—only Jesus can. Salvation is not about what we do—it’s about what Jesus has already done. The choice is yours. Will you recognize your sin and your need for a Savior? Will you put your trust in Jesus alone for salvation?
Admit that you’re a sinner in need of a Savior, and ask for forgiveness of your sins. Believe that Jesus died and rose again to pay the penalty for your sins and give you new life in Him. Giving your life to Jesus is the first step, but discovering how to become more like Christ and growing in your faith are lifelong commitments.
If you’re ready to take this step, then pray the prayer below. There’s nothing special about these particular words, so feel free to make them your own. What’s important is that you’re acknowledging your genuine need for God, your belief in Jesus, and making a commitment to Him:
“Lord, I confess that I have sinned. I know my sin separates me from You, and I need a Savior. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins, was buried, and rose again. I trust in Him alone to save me. Thank You for the gift of eternal life. Help me grow in my faith. Amen.”
If you’ve made this decision, you can be assured of your salvation! Romans 10:9 says, “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.”
Congratulations!
You just made the best decision of your life!
When you make the decision to follow Christ, you get a new beginning. You’re not just a better version of yourself; you’re new. For whatever has held you back or felt like a cycle of bondage or shame for you, there’s healing and freedom in Christ. As a follower of Jesus, you’re no longer walking through life alone. You have God’s presence with you every step of the way.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! - 2 Corinthians 5:17.
We’d love to celebrate with you and help you grow in your faith! If you have questions or want to take the next step,
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! - 2 Corinthians 5:17.
We’d love to celebrate with you and help you grow in your faith! If you have questions or want to take the next step,