The term "The One True Gospel" refers to the singular, unchanging message of salvation as revealed in the New Testament of the Bible. This gospel is centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it is the foundation of Christian faith and doctrine. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of adhering to this gospel in his epistles, warning against any distortion or alternative versions.

Biblical Foundation

The core of the One True Gospel is succinctly captured in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 : "Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and in which you stand firm. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 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."

This passage highlights the essential elements of the gospel: the death of Christ for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection, all in accordance with the Scriptures. These events are not only historical but also theological, signifying the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Exclusivity and Warning Against False Gospels

The New Testament underscores the exclusivity of the One True Gospel. In Galatians 1:6-9 , Paul expresses astonishment that the Galatians are turning to a different gospel, which is no gospel at all. He writes, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!"

This strong admonition serves as a warning against any deviation from the original message delivered by the apostles. The integrity of the gospel is paramount, and any alteration is considered a serious offense.

Salvation Through Faith

The One True Gospel proclaims that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This underscores the doctrine of justification by faith, a central tenet of the gospel message.

The Role of Repentance and Baptism

Repentance and baptism are integral responses to the gospel. In Acts 2:38 , Peter instructs the crowd, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Repentance involves a turning away from sin and a turning toward God, while baptism symbolizes the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

The Great Commission

The One True Gospel is not only to be believed but also proclaimed. Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

This mandate underscores the global and timeless nature of the gospel message, calling believers to share it with all people, teaching them to observe the teachings of Christ.

Conclusion

The One True Gospel remains the cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasizing the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation, the importance of maintaining the purity of the gospel message, and the responsibility of believers to share this message with the world.