THE GOSPEL STORY
We all have a story, including God.
His story is called the Gospel, which literally means “Good News.”
God’s story is told in the Bible, and He is the hero of the story.
This story is Good News because it is the only story that
(1) makes sense of ultimate reality,
(2) reveals God’s final victory over evil, and
(3) brings true joy, peace, and fulfillment to people.
We all have a story, including God.
His story is called the Gospel, which literally means “Good News.”
God’s story is told in the Bible, and He is the hero of the story.
This story is Good News because it is the only story that
(1) makes sense of ultimate reality,
(2) reveals God’s final victory over evil, and
(3) brings true joy, peace, and fulfillment to people.
#1 Creation
The one true God created the world. Because He is good and glorious, His creation was originally perfect. The universe was made to be His wonderful kingdom. God’s character and kingly rule were seen in everything. Every awesome, mind-blowing thing in all the universe came from the creativity, power, wisdom, and goodness of God. |
#2 People
God created people to experience His goodness and greatness. We are not accidents of the cosmos; we are intentional creations of the living God. We are designed to have a wonderful, spiritual relationship with God that reflects His good character and represents His kingly rule on earth. Our amazing purpose is to glorify God by knowing and enjoying Him forever. |
#3 Sin
Tragically, instead of glorifying God by joyfully living underneath His reign, all people have rebelled against God in order to live according to their own shallow desires. The Bible calls this failure to live according to our God-given design sin. Sin has corrupted all people so that none of us truly lives in a way that fulfills our amazing purpose. Instead of living for God, people shamefully live for the fleeting pleasures of the world. |
#4 Judgment
Our sin has horrible consequences. Not only do sinners miss out on the fulfillment that comes from living in relationship with God, but they also stand in condemnation awaiting terrifying punishment. Because God is perfectly righteous and just, He will pour out His wrath on those who have committed treason by rebelling against Him. God has prepared a place of fiery judgment called Hell where He has promised to send all unforgiven sinners for eternity. There is nothing any of us could ever do to get out of this destiny. |
#5 Rescue
But God in His great love and mercy has made a way for desperate sinners to be rescued from Hell and restored to a delightful relationship with Him. God sent His only Son to earth to become the God-Man, Jesus Christ. Jesus lived the life we could never attain and died the death we could never bear. He suffered death on a cross as a substitute for sinners absorbing God’s wrath against them. Then He rose from the grave to be the living King over God’s people. He is now in heaven and will return to establish His kingdom forever. |
#6 Salvation
Now that Jesus has finished His work, God extends an invitation to all people to repent of their rebellion and turn to Jesus for salvation. Just as He promised to punish unforgiven sinners, God has promised to forgive all who believe in Jesus and to include them in His wonderful kingdom forever. Turning to Jesus means trusting Him alone to be made right with God. Such faith gives the full credit and glory to God for His wonderful saving grace. When a person truly believes in this way, God considers them “in Christ” and eternally rescues them. |