What is the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Short answer
The gospel is the good news that God created and loves you, that sin separated all of us from Him, and that Jesus — God the Son — became human, lived a perfect life, died on the cross in our place, and rose again, defeating death. Salvation is not earned; it is a gift received by turning from sin and trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord.
The good news
God created you and loves you. But sin has separated all of us from Him. Because He loves us, God the Son — Jesus — became human, lived a perfect life, died on the cross in our place, and rose again, defeating death.
Salvation isn't something we earn. It's a gift we receive by turning from our sin and trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
— John 3:16 (KJV)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
— Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
A prayer of salvation
There are no magic words — God looks at the heart. If you want to trust Christ, you can pray something like this and mean it:
Father, I know that I have sinned and that my sin separates me from You. I'm sorry, and I turn from my sin. I believe Jesus died for me and rose again. Jesus, I trust You as my Savior, and I give You my life as Lord. Thank You for forgiving me and making me new. Amen.
If you prayed that and meant it — welcome to the family of God! Head to “I just believed — now what?” for your first steps.
Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version.
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