What is the Good News about Jesus Christ?
Gospel and Good News mean the same thing. It is the good news about who Jesus Christ is and what He did to restore us fallen sinners to a right relationship with God the Father.
What is the Good News about Jesus Christ?
It could be said that religion and churches often "muddy the water" by emphasizing other things rather than the core message of Jesus Christ.
Hopefully, this little booklet will clear the water some.
Gospel and Good News mean the same thing. It is the good news about who Jesus Christ is and what He did to restore us fallen sinners to a right relationship with God the Father.
The Good News is What God Uses to Change People
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..." — Romans 1:16
The Power of God for Salvation
Gospel means the good news about Jesus Christ.
Power of God means the method God uses.
Salvation is for all who believe the Gospel and will be explained in this booklet.
Believing the Good News Means Forgiveness from God
"In him [Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." — Ephesians 1:7
A Complete Clean Slate
It is wonderful to know that all the wrong things we have done are forgiven when we trust Christ.
God will forgive anything and everything—no matter how bad—except not believing the Good News about His Son.
Believing the Good News Means You Will Have a New Life
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." — 2 Corinthians 5:17
An Abundant Life
Christ can change us so we can live a life of meaning, fulfillment, purpose, and joy.
As Jesus said: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)
Why Do We Need a Savior?
We need a Savior because there is only one race, the human race; and the human race is a fallen race. We are all sinful and disobedient to God our Creator.
The Reality of Sin
"Surely there is not a righteous person on earth who does good and never sins." — Ecclesiastes 7:20
"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." — Romans 3:23
The Law stops anyone from making excuses, and it brings the whole world under God's judgment.
How Do People React to Their Sin Problem?
Some deny it, some minimize it, but others look at themselves honestly and see they have a serious spiritual problem. This is what Jesus called being "poor in spirit."
Understanding Spiritual Bankruptcy
1. Some deny it: "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:8)
2. Some minimize it: "Everyone makes mistakes. I'm relatively good." But Ephesians 2 describes us as spiritually dead and children of wrath without Christ.
3. Honestly facing it: "Blessed are the poor in spirit..." (Matthew 5:3). This means recognizing you are spiritually bankrupt without any righteousness of your own.
What Are the Consequences of Our Sin?
In this life, sin destroys. After death, we die once and face a righteous Judge. Life is not a game where we can simply respawn.
The Destruction of Sin
In this life: Sin destroys. Adultery destroys families. Lust destroys honor. Greed destroys relationships. Pride destroys character.
After death: "It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment." (Hebrews 9:27)
God has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ, proven by raising Him from the dead.
The Great White Throne Judgment
"And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." — Revelation 20:15
The Final Standard
At the final judgment, everyone—great and small—will stand before God's throne. Deeds are recorded, and everyone is accountable.
But those whose names are written in the Book of Life will be saved. How do we get our names written there? That is the most important question in life.
The One and Only Solution
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." — John 3:16
The Divine Substitute
We are all guilty before God. But in His great love and mercy, God the Father sent His sinless, innocent Son to be our substitute.
He took our punishment on the cross so that we could be fully forgiven and granted eternal life.
Behold, The Lamb of God
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" — John 1:29. His sacrifice completely satisfied the justice of God.
Propitiation
Jesus is the final, one-time sacrifice who paid our debt forever. Propitiation means His death satisfied God's justice in our place.
With His last breath on the cross, He cried out: "It is finished." His death finished paying for our sins completely.
Will You Trust the Solution?
"Believe" means "to trust in." We do not perish simply because we are sinners; we perish because we reject God's only cure.
Light or Darkness?
Jesus said: "The light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil." (John 3:19)
Some choose their sin over Christ. But what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his own soul?
A Free Gift Received Through Repentance
Salvation is a completely free gift already paid for by Christ. To receive it, you must have a change of mind and attitude—which is what it means to repent.
What It Means to Repent
Repentance is not earning your way. It is a change of heart:
- Be genuinely sorry for your sins.
- Stop thinking you are "good enough" to please God on your own.
- Desire to be forgiven and to follow Jesus Christ.
How Do I Ask For Salvation?
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." — Romans 10:13. Just speak to God directly and honestly from your heart.
No Perfect Formulas
There is no single magic prayer. Be honest with God: tell Him you are sorry for your sins, believe that Jesus died and rose again to pay for them, and ask Him for eternal life.
Like the humble tax collector in scripture who cried: "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!"
A Guide Prayer for Salvation
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe the Good News that the Lord Jesus died to pay for my sins and rose again. Please forgive me, give me the gift of eternal life..."
A Heartfelt Prayer
This is not a magic formula, but it represents the heart's attitude of trust:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I am guilty of breaking Your commandments and ignoring You. I am sorry. I repent. I want to follow You. I believe the Good News that Jesus died for my sins and rose from the dead. Please forgive me, grant me eternal life, and help me live the way You want. Amen."
God Wants to Write a Poem With Your Life
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works..." — Ephesians 2:10. The word "workmanship" is the Greek word Poiema—a beautiful poem.
Let Him Write the Story
God has saved you by grace. Now, He wants to write a beautiful poem with your life for all to see, using your unique journey to love Him and love others.
Find a solid, Bible-teaching church, read His word, and watch Him direct your steps.