Day 3: What Is the Gospel?

Dr. Nilo H. Flores

August 8, 2026

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

— 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (KJV)

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for revealing the glorious Gospel through Your Holy Word. Thank You for sending Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins, to be buried, and to rise again in victory over death. As I study today’s lesson, help me to understand the true meaning of the Gospel, to believe it with all my heart, and to faithfully share it with others. May Your Holy Spirit deepen my love for Christ and give me boldness to proclaim the Good News wherever You lead me.

In the precious name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Introduction

The word gospel is one of the most familiar words in the Christian faith, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Many people think the Gospel is simply a collection of Bible stories, a moral code, or a message about living a better life. While the Bible certainly teaches holy living, the Gospel itself is much more specific.

The Gospel is God’s Good News for sinful humanity. It announces what God has accomplished through His Son, Jesus Christ, to provide forgiveness of sins and eternal life for everyone who believes. The Gospel is not about what we can do to earn God’s favor; it is about what Christ has already done for us through His death, burial, and resurrection.

Without the Gospel, there is no salvation, no forgiveness, and no eternal hope. The Gospel is the very heart of Christianity and the foundation upon which the Church stands.

What Does the Word “Gospel” Mean?

The New Testament word translated “gospel” comes from the Greek noun:

Original Greek

εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion)

Pronunciation

yoo-an-GHEL-ee-on

Meaning

  • Good news
  • Glad tidings
  • Joyful announcement
  • A message of victory
  • The good news of salvation through Jesus Christ

In the ancient world, εὐαγγέλιον was used to announce joyful news such as a military victory or the birth of a king. In the New Testament, God gives this word its highest meaning: the joyful announcement that Jesus Christ has provided salvation for sinners.

The Gospel is not advice about how to save ourselves. It is God’s announcement of what He has already accomplished through Christ.

The Biblical Definition of the Gospel

The Apostle Paul provides the clearest biblical definition of the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4. He reminds believers of the message he preached:

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

— 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (KJV)

These verses reveal three essential truths.

1. Christ Died for Our Sins

The death of Jesus Christ was not an accident or merely the execution of an innocent man. It was God’s eternal plan to redeem sinners.

Jesus willingly gave His life as the perfect sacrifice for sin.

The prophet Isaiah foretold His sacrificial death centuries before it happened:

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

— Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)

On the cross, Christ bore the punishment that we deserved.

The Apostle Peter declared:

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree…”

— 1 Peter 2:24 (KJV)

Because Jesus died in our place, God can justly forgive those who trust in Him.

2. Christ Was Buried

The burial of Jesus Christ is an essential part of the Gospel. It confirms that His death was real. Jesus did not merely appear to die—He truly died.

After His crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea courageously requested the body of Jesus from Pilate.

The Bible records:

“And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”

— Matthew 27:59–60 (KJV)

The sealed tomb testified that Christ’s sacrifice was complete. His burial fulfilled the Scriptures and prepared the way for the greatest victory in human history.

The burial also reminds us that Jesus fully identified with humanity. He experienced death so that those who believe in Him might receive eternal life.

3. Christ Rose Again the Third Day

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

Without the resurrection, there would be no victory over sin, no triumph over death, and no hope of eternal life.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

— 1 Corinthians 15:4 (KJV)

On the third day, the tomb was empty because Jesus Christ had risen exactly as He promised.

The angel declared to the women at the tomb:

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

— Matthew 28:6 (KJV)

The resurrection proves that Jesus is the Son of God, that His sacrifice for sin was accepted by the Father, and that death has been conquered forever.

Because Christ lives, all who trust Him have the assurance of everlasting life.

Why Is the Gospel Good News?

The Gospel is good news because it reveals God’s love and grace toward undeserving sinners.

The Bible says:

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

— Romans 5:8 (KJV)

Instead of leaving humanity under condemnation, God provided a perfect Saviour.

Instead of demanding that sinners earn salvation, He freely offers forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Gospel is good news because it offers:

  • Forgiveness instead of guilt.
  • Grace instead of condemnation.
  • Peace instead of fear.
  • Hope instead of despair.
  • Eternal life instead of eternal death.

No other message in the world can offer what the Gospel offers.

The Gospel Must Be Believed

Hearing the Gospel is not enough.

Knowing the facts about Jesus is not enough.

Each person must personally place his or her faith in Jesus Christ.

The Apostle John wrote:

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”

— John 1:12 (KJV)

Salvation is received by trusting Christ alone.

It is not earned by religious works, church membership, baptism, or personal goodness.

It is received by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Practical Application

Ask yourself these questions today:

  • Do I clearly understand the Gospel?
  • Have I personally trusted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour?
  • Can I explain the Gospel to someone else using the Bible?
  • Am I faithfully sharing the Good News with others?

Remember, the Gospel was never meant to be kept to ourselves. It is God’s message for the whole world.

Today’s Challenge

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 several times today.

Then write the three essential truths of the Gospel in your own words:

  • Christ died for our sins.
  • Christ was buried.
  • Christ rose again the third day.

Finally, pray for one person who needs to hear the Gospel, and ask God to allow you to share it with them this week.

✍️ Quotation by Dr. Nilo H. Flores

“The Gospel is not merely good advice for better living; it is God’s glorious announcement that Jesus Christ has already accomplished the work of salvation. Our responsibility is not to improve the Gospel but to believe it, live it, and faithfully proclaim it to the world.”

— Dr. Nilo H. Flores

😊 Flores Faith Smile

After Sunday school, a young boy proudly told his father,

“Dad, I can preach the Gospel in just three sentences!”

His father smiled and asked,

“Really? Let’s hear it.”

The boy replied,

“Jesus died for our sins. Jesus was buried. Jesus rose again. That’s the best news in the whole world!”

His father hugged him and said,

“You’re right, son. Never forget it, and never stop telling others.”

Lesson to Remember

The Gospel is wonderfully simple, yet eternally powerful. Every believer, young or old, can faithfully share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Closing Prayer

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the wonderful Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Your Son to die for my sins, to be buried, and to rise again in victory. Help me never to be ashamed of the Gospel, for it is Your power unto salvation to everyone who believes. Give me courage to proclaim Christ with love, humility, and faithfulness. May my life reflect the transforming power of the Gospel every day.

In the precious name of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Memory Verse

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

— 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (KJV)

Today’s Prayer Focus

Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel with someone this week. Ask God to prepare hearts to receive His Word and to give you wisdom, compassion, and boldness to proclaim Jesus Christ faithfully.

Business for Christ

Preaching the Gospel • Equipping Believers • Making Disciples

Τῷ μόνῳ Θεῷ δόξα

(Tō monō Theō doxa)

To God Alone Be the Glory

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