Know what you believe

Understanding the gospel

If you can’t explain it simply, you simply don’t understand it.
Albert Einstein

The gospel can be understood through five foundational truths. Knowing what we believe helps us explain our faith clearly and recognize the good news of what God has done for us.

Know what you believe and believe what you know.

The five truths of the gospel

1. God.
   • God is the beginning of the gospel. He created all things and reveals himself through Jesus Christ.
   • John 1:1-5 points to Jesus as the Word who was with God and was God.
2. Sin.
   • Sin separates humanity from God and leaves us unable to save ourselves.
   • Romans 3:23 teaches that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.
   • Romans 6:23 shows that sin leads to death.
3. Substitution.
   • Jesus took our place, accomplishing what we could not accomplish for ourselves.
   • Colossians 2:13-15 describes Christ’s victory over sin and the powers opposed to God.
4. Believe.
   • The gospel calls for a response of faith in Jesus Christ.
   • Romans 10:8-13 teaches that salvation is received through believing in Christ and confessing him as Lord.
5. Life.
   • God does more than forgive sin. Through Christ, he gives new life.
   • Ephesians 2:4-10 describes God making us alive with Christ and saving us by grace through faith.

Key terms

• chata (חָטָא) — Hebrew word describing missing the mark or falling short of the intended standard.

Insight

• God is the foundation of the gospel and the one who makes salvation possible.
• Sin is the problem that separates humanity from God and leaves us unable to save ourselves.
• Jesus is our substitute, taking our place and accomplishing what we could not do.
• Salvation requires a response of faith, trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
• The result of God’s grace is new and abundant life through Jesus Christ.