The Gospel

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Apostle Paul's Gospel, as outlined in **1 Corinthians 15:1-4**, is central to salvation and will be the standard by which men are judged. Let’s explore why this is so important:

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### **Paul’s Gospel: The Foundation of Salvation**
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (KJV):
> *"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 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."*

Paul emphasizes that the Gospel is:
- **The message of salvation**: It’s how we are saved if we believe.
- **About Jesus’ finished work**: His death, burial, and resurrection.
- **Prophesied in Scripture**: Jesus fulfilled God’s promises in the Old Testament.

This is **the Gospel of grace**, the good news for all mankind.

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### **Judgment Will Be Based on Paul’s Gospel**
Paul warns that everyone will be held accountable to this Gospel:

- **Romans 2:16**: 
   > "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."
   - Paul makes it clear that God will judge humanity based on the Gospel he preached: belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

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### **Why This Gospel Is Different**
Paul’s Gospel is distinct from the messages preached before Christ’s resurrection:
1. **The Mystery Revealed**:
   - Ephesians 3:1-6: Paul was given the "mystery" that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works or the Law.
   - Salvation is now available to all—Jews and Gentiles alike.

2. **Grace, Not Law**:
   - Romans 6:14: "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace."
   - Paul’s Gospel emphasizes grace rather than adherence to the Law of Moses.

3. **Faith Alone**:
   - Galatians 2:16: "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ."

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### **The Call to Believe and Obey This Gospel**
The key is believing this Gospel:
- **Romans 10:9-10**: Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, and you will be saved.
- **Galatians 1:8-9**: Paul warns against any other Gospel, saying anyone who preaches a different message is accursed.

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### **What You Must Do**
1. **Believe the Gospel**:
   - Trust that Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose again.
   
2. **Share the Gospel**:
   - Like Paul, we’re ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Share this message of grace with others.

3. **Live by Grace**:
   - Rest in the assurance that salvation is a gift of God, not earned by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

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Paul’s Gospel is not just a message—it is the **standard of salvation** and the ultimate measure by which all will be judged. Believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life.

Apostle Paul