Gospel Elements
- God is the source of the gospel — the gospel is God’s promised saving work, not man’s invention. (Rom 1:1–4; Gal 1:11–12; 1 Cor 15:1–4)
- Jesus is the center of the gospel — Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, Lord, Savior, and the appointed Judge. (Acts 2:36; Rom 1:3–4; Acts 10:42–43; 2 Tim 4:1)
- Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures — His coming, suffering, death, resurrection, and exaltation fulfill what God promised beforehand. (Luke 24:44–47; Acts 3:18; Acts 13:32–33; 1 Cor 15:3–4)
- Jesus died for sins — He was crucified, died, and was buried. (1 Cor 15:3–4; Rom 5:6–10; 1 Pet 3:18)
- God raised Jesus from the dead — the resurrection vindicates Jesus as Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:24, 32, 36; Rom 4:24–25; 1 Cor 15:4, 14–17)
- Jesus is exalted at God’s right hand — He reigns and pours out the promised Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:33–36; Eph 1:20–22; Heb 1:3; 1 Pet 3:22)
- Jesus alone saves — there is no other name by which people must be saved. (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; 1 Tim 2:5)
- The gospel is publicly proclaimed — apostles preach, testify, reason from Scripture, and bear witness. (Acts 2:14–40; Acts 17:2–3; Acts 18:5; Rom 10:14–17)
- Hearers must respond — the apostolic response is not passive assent only, but repentance, faith, confession/allegiance, and obedience. (Acts 2:37–38; Rom 10:9–13; Rom 1:5; Rom 16:26)
- Repentance is required — sinners must turn from wickedness, idols, and rebellion toward God. (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30; 2 Pet 3:9)
- Faith in Jesus is required — hearers must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 3:16; Acts 16:30–31; Rom 10:9–10; Gal 3:26)
- Baptism in Jesus’ name is commanded — repentant believers are baptized for forgiveness of sins and covenant entry. (Acts 2:38; Acts 8:12; Acts 10:47–48; Acts 22:16; Rom 6:3–4; Gal 3:27)
- Forgiveness of sins is promised — forgiveness comes through Jesus’ name. (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; Acts 10:43; Eph 1:7; Col 1:13–14)
- The Holy Spirit is given — the promised Spirit is given to those who respond obediently to the apostolic gospel. (Acts 2:38–39; Acts 5:32; Eph 1:13–14; Titus 3:5–7)
- Believers are added to the church — salvation creates a visible people devoted to apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. (Acts 2:41–47; 1 Cor 12:13; Eph 2:19–22)
- The gospel creates discipleship — believers continue in the faith, obey Christ, endure suffering, and bear fruit. (Matt 28:18–20; John 15:1–10; Acts 14:21–22; Col 1:21–23)
- Perseverance is necessary — the apostolic gospel includes warning, endurance, and remaining faithful. (Matt 24:13; John 15:6; Rom 11:20–22; Heb 3:12–14; Rev 2:10)
- Final judgment is part of the gospel proclamation — Jesus is appointed to judge the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42; Acts 17:30–31; Rom 2:6–8; 2 Cor 5:10; 2 Tim 4:1)
- The gospel is for all nations — Jews, Samaritans, Gentiles, and all who are far off are called to respond. (Matt 28:18–20; Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:39; Rom 1:16)
- The gospel must not be altered — another gospel, another Jesus, or a distorted apostolic message is condemned. (Gal 1:6–9; 2 Cor 11:3–4; Jude 3; 2 John 9–11)