What is the Gospel?

Introduction

"What is the gospel of Jesus Christ?"

The gospel is the most essential message of Christianity, but the truth is that this question might be answered in an infinite number of ways by Christians (and non-Christians). "I want to try in this book to offer a clear answer to that question, one that is based on what the Bible itself teaches about the gospel" (p 20).

Gilbert is also hoping and praying for a few additional things to result from this book:

1. "If you are a Christian, I pray that this little book--and more importantly, the glorious truths it attempts to articulate--will cause your heart to swell with joy and praise toward Jesus Christ for what he has accomplished for you. An emaciated gospel leads to emaciated worship" (p 20, emphasis added).

2. "I hope that reading this book will give you a deeper confidence as you talk to others about the good news of Jesus" (p 21).

3. "I pray that you will see the importance of this gospel for the life of the church, and that as a result you will work to make sure that this gospel is preached, sung, prayed, taught, proclaimed, and heard in every aspect of your church's life" (p 21).

4. "I hope this book will help you shore up the edges of the gospel in your mind and heart" (p 21).

5. "Finally, if you're not a Christian, then I pray that by reading this book you will be provoked to think hard about the good news of Jesus Christ" (p 21).