Scripture Reading
"Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel... 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." — 1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-4 "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.'" — MARK 16:15-16
Explanation of the Passage
The Gospel is the announcement of Christ's victory over sin and death. It is 'good news' because the work of salvation has been completed by Jesus. However, the good news requires a response from the hearer.
Giving the Sense
The Gospel is power. It is the means by which God reaches down to man. The sense of the Great Commission is that the message must be heard and acted upon to be effective in a person's life.
Understanding the Truth
Salvation is offered to everyone, but it is conditional upon a person's response to the Gospel call. Hearing the message is the first step toward the faith that saves.
Supporting Scriptures
Additional passages to read and meditate on alongside this lesson.
Romans 1:16 2 Thessalonians 1:8 Acts 2:37
Reflection Questions
Think through these on your own, or discuss them with a fellow student or mentor.
1 Why is the death, burial, and resurrection called 'good news'? 2 What is the danger of hearing the Gospel but not responding? 3 How is the Gospel the 'power of God'?
Next Step
Read the account of the first Gospel sermon in Acts chapter 2 and note how the people responded when they heard the truth.