WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?

The gospel is the central message of Christianity and Pennington Park Church. The word gospel literally means “good news,” but to truly understand how good the news of the gospel is, we need to first understand the bad news it addresses. Throughout the Bible, a frightening reality rings clear: all humanity has sinned against the one true and holy God and, therefore, stands condemned and destined for eternal death (Rom. 3:23). Even more, the power necessary to overcome this condemnation cannot be found within our own will or works (Rom. 3:19-20).

This troubling reality is the reason we need and rejoice in the good news of the gospel. According to the message of the gospel, God, despite our sinfulness, chose to demonstrate His love for us by sending Jesus Christ to live a perfect life and bear the penalty of our sin through death on a cross (Rom. 5:8). Not only did Jesus die for our sin, but he also defeated sin and death through his resurrection (1 Peter 1:3). Therefore, all those who confess their sin to God and believe in Jesus as their only Savior will experience eternal forgiveness and life (1 John 1:8-9; John 3:16).

But the good news does not end there! In addition to the gospel providing forgiveness and eternal life, it also empowers Christians to live in obedience and be conformed to the holy character of God (Eph. 3:17-19). For this reason, one of Pennington Park’s Core Values is, “We are shaped by the gospel.” In other words, we never move past the gospel but grow deeper in it as the aroma of Jesus’ grace and truth permeates our lives.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS ON THE GOSPEL

SERMON SERIES ON THE GOSPEL