What is the gospel, really? To understand that, we first have to ask, “Why did God create me?” You were created to bring glory to God. Recognizing this matters because it reminds us that God is both our Maker and our rightful Authority. As our Creator, He defines what is good and what is evil. His law, expressed in the Ten Commandments, shows us that actions like lying, stealing, and murder are sinful. Whenever we break God’s law, we sin against Him. Every one of us has sinned, and Scripture tells us that the penalty for sin is eternal death.

But there is hope. God, in His love, sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, who was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross. On that cross, Jesus bore the punishment we deserved, paying the full price for our sins. Three days later, He rose from the dead and now reigns at the right hand of God in heaven. He invites everyone to turn away from sin—that’s repentance—and to trust fully in Him—that’s faith.

To all who repent and believe in Jesus, God gives the promise of everlasting life in His presence.

So, do you recognize how serious your sin is before God? And do you see how wonderful Jesus is for taking your place on the cross? If you do, then turn from your sin and believe the good news: Jesus died and rose again for you!