What does "gospel" mean?

Many people think of a choir or a type of music when they hear the word "gospel."  Gospel actually means "good news."  Many things in life can be good news.  However, when we refer to good news from a Biblical perspective, we are referring to the good news about Jesus. 

Why is Jesus important?  Why do we need Him?

In the beginning...

God created man to enjoy enjoy relationship, Creator with His creation.  Adam and Eve enjoyed unbroken, loving fellowship with their Creator in the garden.  All things were perfect. 

Fellowship was broken...

In outright rebellion, Adam and Eve turned against their Creator.  Desiring to become god's themselves and receive the glory only due their Maker, they partook of the fruit in an act of rebellion. 

God's response was quick and swift.  Though a loving God, he is also just and righteous.  The breaking of His laws brought about judgment and punishment.  Punishment for Adam and Eve's rebellion did not end with them alone, but extended to all humanity.  Their punishment became our punishment...broken fellowship with our Creator and eternal judgment. 

Failed attempts at reconciliation...

We're pros at coming up with religions to try to reach God on our own terms.  Usually by establishing a list of impossible rules to follow, we think strict adherence will earn us favor before God and gain our entrance into some kind of eternal state. 

The scriptures tell us that it is impossible for man to earn God's favor through good works of his own.  In fact, the scriptures tell us that our good works are filthy rags (a very disgusting thing) before God.  Our good works get us nowhere. 

Good news: Jesus came to do what we could not...

• He lived the sinless life we couldn't. 

• He died as a criminal on a cross that we deserved, accused of being a rebel of all things. 

• He bore the anger of God's wrath for sin on the cross. 

• He endured separation from His Father, something He'd never experienced in all eternity past, for our sake that we'd not experience this in eternity future. 

• He died for our sake, in our place, for sinners who'd done nothing to earn His love or favor. 

• He rose from the grave, conquering sin and death, something we are powerless to do for ourselves.

• He sits at the Father's right hand, ready to apply His righteousness to sinners, so His Father might treat them AS IF they'd never committed sin or rebelled.

Our responsibility...

We can't do anything to earn forgiveness of our sin and restore fellowship with our Creator.  Everything necessary to make that happen, Jesus accomplished on the cross 2000 years ago. 

We must believe, trust and look to Jesus alone to save us.  He alone can grant us forgiveness and restore our relationship with His Father. 

If you have never done this, believe that your sins have separated you from your Creator, you have earned His righteous judgment.  Confess you are a sinner in need of Jesus to take your place, take your sin and give you forgiveness.  Cry out to Jesus to save you.