Understanding the basic elements of the gospel message will enable us to share the good news in a concise way when we have limited time.

The gospel is the true story of Jesus Christ, who he is, what he did, and what he will do when he returns, which deserves a response of repentance and faith from the hearer. The gospel or good news is found in the four New Testament books that carry that name, the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Being able to summarize the Gospel is very important. Its core truths provide a framework for any presentation we have the opportunity to make.

The following passage from Peter’s first sermon on Pentecost in Acts Chapter Two is a great example of a brief gospel presentation.

"People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 23  But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24  But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip... "This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. 33  "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. 34  "For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, 35  UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET."' 36  "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified." Acts 2:22-24, 32-36 (NASB)

Now, let us break apart what Peter said.

1. Jesus died as the Lamb of God for the forgiveness of our sins. This ministry was prophesied by John the Baptist (John 1:29). After his death, he was buried.
2. Jesus rose from the dead in power (Romans 1:4), which was witnessed by many people, and was exalted to the right hand of God’s throne as the Lord. He now has all authority (Matthew 28:18) and currently reigns in heaven. He sits at God’s right hand, and his church is spiritually seated with him (Ephesians 2:6 & Colossians 3:1), waiting for his enemies to be brought into submission. Jesus is both Lord and Messiah. He is the Son of God, the messianic King of Israel, who was introduced through prophecy by John the Baptist (John 1:34).
3. Jesus ascended into heaven and “poured out” the baptism in the Holy Spirit upon the church to equip his followers to be his witnesses and fulfill the Great Commission. This fulfilled his role as the Baptizer in the Spirit and Lord of the Harvest, just as John the Baptist prophesied (John 1:33).
4. A fourth point, which is implied in John 1:35, is that Jesus is the Son of Man (Matthew 25:31-32), who will return to earth in glory and triumph over his enemies. He will judge the living and the dead and rule over a new heaven and earth.

These gospel pronouncements, if understood and believed, will elicit a response of repentance, faith, and and allegiance to Jesus.

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38  Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to show that you have received forgiveness for your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39  This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40  Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41  Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. Acts 2:37-41 (NLT) 

Declaring allegiance to Christ and coming under God’s sovereign and benevolent rule is what saves us. (Romans 10:9-10) When we do this, our sins are forgiven and Jesus will send his Spirit to equip and empower us to be his disciples and witnesses.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NLT) 

Let me recap the four main points of the gospel.

1. Jesus is the Lamb of God.
2. Jesus is the Lord.
3. Jesus is the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, and
4. Jesus will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.

If we include these four points in our gospel presentation, we will have included the core truths that people need to understand. We can go into as much depth as we want relating to each part. You may wish to ask yourself, have I ever really understood the gospel and made this transaction with God? If not, why not now?

Prayer

Jesus, I realize that you are very great and deserve my worship and allegiance. I believe that you died for me and rose again as the Lord of Lords. Thank you for forgiving my sins and making a way for me to be right with Father God. Thank you for giving me eternal life. Thank you for setting me free so I can live for you. I receive you into my life to live through me. Baptize me in your Spirit and help me to live the rest of my days for you. Amen.