WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Isaiah 53:1-12

“That he rose the third day
according to the scriptures.”

THE GOSPEL IN A NUTSHELL

The term “gospel” comes from the Greek word euangelion, which means “good news.” The gospel is thus the good news of the salvation of mankind from sin through the Lord Jesus Christ.

The content of the gospel is summarised in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “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.”

First, the gospel is said to be “according to the scriptures.” It is thus not a figment of men’s imagination, but a true declaration from God. It is not fake news, but 100% true and reliable. This expression also tells us that the gospel of Christ can be found in the Old Testament. For example, Isaiah 53 tells us about Christ as the suffering Messiah in His first coming. Thus, Luke 24:25-27 records for us what Christ said to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus: “Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” The New Testament is in the Old concealed, and the Old Testament is in the New revealed.

Secondly, the elements of the gospel are (1) the death of Christ, (2) the burial of Christ, and (3) the resurrection of Christ. It is the resurrection of Christ that is the focus of 1 Corinthians 15. The gospels record many instances of Christ talking about His death and resurrection (cf. Matt 20:19; Mark 9:31; 10:34; Luke 18:33; 24:7; 24:46). The resurrection of Christ is essential to the gospel. No resurrection, no gospel! Let us not forget to preach the resurrection of Christ when we share the gospel with our loved ones and friends.

THOUGHT: No resurrection, no gospel.
PRAYER: Father, help me not to be ashamed of the gospel.