How Important is the Gospel?

On Sunday evening, I had the privilege of speaking on this subject. Below is a brief summary of the message. The passage used was 1 Corinthians 15 v 1 - 5.

People consider many different things as of top priority in their lives. However, the Apostle Paul was in no doubt as to the fact that it was the Gospel that should take first place. He had been dealing with a number of issues previously in this letter, important issues, but for the Corinthians, concentration on them had shifted their focus from what was most important.

It was as if they had been rescued while swimming out at sea, and on the journey back in the lifeboat they were more concerned about the colour of the boat than the fact that they were actually safe and rescued.

Now the Apostle states what is of FIRST importance.

So what is this gospel that is so important:

Firstly, Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures. His death was vital, as sin cannot be tolerated by God and has to be dealt with. The punishment for sin was death, that was quite clear from the Old Testament. Everyone deserves to die, because everyone has sinned - yes everyone! The good news of the gospel is that Christ died in the place of sinners, so that we don't have to. Surely that is of first importance - the biggest problem that we have has been dealt with. We need to trust in Christ that he has done it.

Secondly, he was raised to life, according to the Scriptures. This was essential too, as it was God's way of saying that he was satisfied with the sacrifice that Jesus have made on the cross. In addition, it gives assurance to those who trust him that one day we to will rise to be with him eternally. And the resurrection really did happen - we see that in the passage. Christ was buried, which means that he really did die, not go into some sort of coma. He appeared to a number of people after his resurrection as a real person, not a ghost. The rest of the chapter goes on to explain the resurrection and its implications further.

So the death and resurrection of Christ are of first importance - we need to have our sins dealt with and to be certain that we will rise to be with Christ for ever. Let's ensure that these things are our priorities.