Basic Definitions of the Gospel

Below are some more basic definitions of the gospel that I have come across on the internet. What do you think of them? If someone were to ask you what the gospel is and you only had a moment or two to give them an answer what would you say?

Some believe this is not good to do as they think it distorts or makes too simplistic, that which is, in fact, very detailed and deep. I disagree, Jesus summed up the law well with a very simple sentence, do to others what you would have them do to you. Having that basic definition helps not only to understand the law as you look at the details but also serves as a guide on how to apply it.

Coming up with your own excellent basic definition of the gospel is not easy to do, it takes a lot of work. It takes serious, prayerful study and meditation of all that the Bible says about it before you can even begin to get to the point of being able to communicate it in your own words.

Since God has created us to be different and since we are brought up in different cultures, have different life experiences and learn about God and the Bible in different kinds of churches we will see the gospel from slightly different angles even when we are doing our best to understand truth as it is and not as we want it to be. We also all have biases, blind spots and wrong understanding that we aren't even aware of. That is why we need each other, the whole body of Christ through the ages, in order to truly know the gospel it all of it's glorious details.

When we earnestly and humbly seek to really understand the gospel God will give us understanding and when we humbly work together our understanding will grow even more. To His glory and praise.

Tim Keller
Through the person and work of Jesus Christ, God fully accomplishes salvation for us, rescuing us from judgment for sin into fellowship with him, and then restores the creation in which we can enjoy our new life together with him forever.

Tracy Johnson
The good news, the gospel, is that Jesus has exchanged our sinfulness and our shame for His righteousness. Faith in Him and His power to do this for us both provides eternal life for us and gives us the pathway to life in the here and now...right here and right now. That is good news.

Michael Gunn
The Gospel is God’s “Good News” of His in-breaking into human culture in order to justify and save His people (Through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ), and establish His kingdom/Lordship (Through the establishment of His Church) to the glory of His name.