WHAT IS THE AUTHENTIC GOSPEL?

The gospel is essential to Christianity. The Apostle Paul called it “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). But what is the gospel? We know it means “good news,” but good news about what? And how about the phrase “unto salvation”—what does it connote? Does it refer to . . .

• Going to heaven?
• Escaping hell?
• Having sins forgiven?
• Gaining eternal life?
• Being declared righteous by faith?
• Inviting Jesus into your heart?

Unfortunately, these familiar and popular answers do not adequately define either “good news” or “salvation.” They are peripheral at best. At its core the gospel is about the kingdom of God. The Gospel of Mark opens with these words, “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” (Mark 1:1). Only a few verses later it is described as “the gospel of the kingdom” (verse 14). There are not two gospels. There is one only. The good news of Jesus Christ and the good news of the kingdom are the same.