The Heart Of The Gospel

“The death of Christ did not terminate but did germinate his work,” penned the 19th century Scottish author and preacher, Ian MacLaren.

“The cross is the center of the world’s history,” MacLaren added. “The incarnation of Christ and the crucifixion of our Lord are the pivot around which all the events of the ages revolve.”

In a similar vein the apostle Paul condenses the gospel message with these words in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you — unless you believed in vain.

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: 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

Paul’s proclamation in this passage has been called “the heart of the gospel.” Consider these 4 reasons why.

#1 It Accomplished Our Salvation.

The Gospel is the “Good News.” It’s about God’s plan for saving sinners. It’s about redemption and restoration. It shows how much God loves us to give His own Son to save us (Jn. 3:16).

In Jesus’ death He bore the penalty for our sins (Isa. 53:5; Rom. 5;8). Sin is an anathema to a holy God. His justice called for punishment. But as the hymnist J. R. Baxter wrote, “{Jesus} bore it all that I might live.”

His burial proved that He really died. Contrary to the fanciful imagination of unbelievers, He didn’t just swoon or faint, only to revive and disappear. The witnesses repeatedly affirmed, “He is dead.”

The resurrection demonstrated His power over death, the devil and the grave. It validated His Divinity. Confirmed God’s acceptance of the sacrifice. And set the stage for a message and ministry that “turned the world upside down.”

#2 The Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus is the Fulfillment of Scripture.

No wonder Paul said that it is of “first importance.” It’s the main thing. And it fulfills over 300 Messianic prophecies, spoken hundreds of years in advance, that point to Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection.  Here’s a small sample.

Isaiah 7:14 – “The virgin will conceive…” (interpreted as the virgin birth)

Micah 5:2 – The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem

Isaiah 53 – Describes the suffering servant, which foretells Jesus’ death and atonement

Psalm 22 – Describes a crucifixion-like scene hundreds of years before crucifixion was even practiced

Daniel 9:24–27 – A prophetic timeline that Homer Hailey believe predicts the time of Jesus’ ministry

Psalm 16:10 – “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.”

#3 Jesus’ Death and Resurrection is the Power Behind the Message.

While the Greeks regarded the preaching the cross foolishness, and to the Jews it was a stumbling block, Paul affirmed that “the message of the cross” evidenced God’s power and wisdom. Thus, Paul would affirm, “I glory in the cross” (Gal. 6:14).

Thus, Paul was not ashamed to preach the gospel of Christ and the cross because he knew it was “the power of God for salvation” (Rom. 1:16). It’s a message of grace. Love. Mercy. Forgiveness. And inclusion.

#4 Our Hope Resides in the Events Surrounding the Death and Resurrection of Christ.

Paul plainly says in 1 Corinthians 15:17 “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”

If there was no resurrection Sunday, Christianity collapses. If Jesus was still in the tomb, His death would be no more than that of a martyr tragically executed. Death and its attendant fears would still reign. But, as Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote, “Because He Lives I can face tomorrow. Because He lives all fear is gone. Because He lives I know He holds the future.”

Jesus’ death did not end or terminate His work. In fact, it supplied the seed to germinate and grow it. To develop it. To spread it. To multiply its impact around the world.

Sunday when you take communion reflect deeply on that pivotal moment in history. See it with fresh eyes. With a renewed sense of appreciation. And with a recognition of how the gospel message empowers your life, your purpose, and your future.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman