The gospel means, “the good news.”
The gospel is found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 — Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
So by believing that:
- Christ died for all your sins – past, present and future
- Christ was then buried
- Christ rose from the dead 3 days later
You are saved and sealed by the Holy Spirit which is the guarantee of your salvation.
Ephesians 1:13-14 — In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance (eternal life) until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
It is by faith in Christ alone, not by works (law keeping/doing good deeds): Ephesians 2:8-9 — For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
It’s just that easy. Don’t add works to it.
Ever worried about a scary sounding teaching or Bible verse? Get your butt back to the gospel.