Topical Encyclopedia
The term "The True Gospel" refers to the authentic and unadulterated message of salvation as presented in the New Testament of the Bible. This message is centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it is the foundation of Christian faith and doctrine. The True Gospel is the good news of God's grace and redemption offered to humanity through Jesus Christ.
Biblical FoundationThe True Gospel is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The Apostle Paul succinctly summarizes the Gospel in
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 : "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: 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 core elements of the Gospel: the sacrificial death of Christ for the atonement of sins, His burial, and His victorious resurrection.
Salvation by Grace through FaithCentral to the True Gospel is the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith.
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 emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human effort or merit, but received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Repentance and FaithThe response to the True Gospel involves repentance and faith. Jesus began His ministry with a call to repentance, as recorded in
Mark 1:15 : "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!" Repentance involves a turning away from sin and a turning toward God, while faith involves trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the proclamation and reception of the True Gospel. Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit to guide believers into all truth (
John 16:13). The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (
John 16:8) and empowers believers to live out the implications of the Gospel in their daily lives.
The Great CommissionThe True Gospel is not only to be believed but also proclaimed. Jesus commissioned His followers to spread the Gospel to all nations. In
Matthew 28:19-20 , He 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." This Great Commission underscores the universal scope and urgency of the Gospel message.
Warnings Against False GospelsThe New Testament contains warnings against false gospels and teachings that deviate from the truth. Paul admonishes the Galatians in
Galatians 1:6-9 , expressing astonishment that they are turning to a different gospel, which is no gospel at all. He warns that even if an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one they received, let them be accursed. This highlights the importance of adhering to the True Gospel as revealed in Scripture.
The Power of the GospelThe True Gospel is described as the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (
Romans 1:16). It transforms lives, reconciles sinners to God, and brings eternal life. The Gospel is not merely a set of doctrines but a living and active message that brings about spiritual rebirth and renewal.
ConclusionThe True Gospel is the heart of the Christian faith, offering hope and salvation to all who believe. It is the message of God's love and grace, calling individuals to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, and it is to be faithfully proclaimed to the ends of the earth.