The Gospel

April 1, 2018 Pastor: John Fonville Series: The Gospel

Topic: Gospel Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

What distinguishes Christianity from other world religions? What is the one thing that the church provides to the world that is truly unique? Why should you trust in Christ for salvation?

First, Christianity is not about, "a personal experience." Christianity is not about “therapeutic ways to better our lives." Christianity is not about, “being a moral person.”

What makes Christianity distinct from every other religion is summed up in one word, gospel. It is only in the church that the gospel of Christ is fully taught, and rightly understood. As crucial as the law remains as the revelation of God’s moral will, it is different from the revelation of God’s saving will.

Yes, we are called to love God and neighbor, but the Great Commandment is not the gospel. Christ need not have died on a cross for us to know that we should be better people. The only thing that the church provides to the world that is truly unique is the gospel. The gospel—the person and work of Christ—are the central focus of the entire Bible as well as the heart of the Christian faith and life.

What then is the gospel? In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, the Apostle Paul, reminds the Corinthian believers (and us!) of the paramount truths of the gospel.