The good news

The word “gospel” means good news. Here is the heart of that message in the Bible’s own words, from the World English Bible.

1. God made us and loves us

For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.John 3:16 (WEB)

2. We have all fallen short

Everyone has turned from God in some way. The Bible calls this sin, and it separates us from Him.

for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;Romans 3:23 (WEB)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 6:23 (WEB)

3. Jesus came for us

Jesus lived the life we could not, died on the cross in our place, and rose again.

But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.Romans 5:8 (WEB)

4. Grace is a gift we receive

for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.Ephesians 2:8–9 (WEB)

that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.Romans 10:9 (WEB)

5. What now?

If you want to follow Jesus, you can talk to God in your own words right now: tell Him you need Him, thank Him for Jesus, and ask Him to lead your life. Then find a local church and keep reading the Bible. A good place to start is the Gospel of John.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:9 (WEB)

In crisis? If you or someone else is in danger, contact local emergency services now. In the US call or text 988. Elsewhere, find a helpline at findahelpline.com.