The Gospel

What it means

Paul hands on what he received as of first importance: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose on the third day.

Why every Christian should know it

This is the earliest summary of the Christian message we possess. If you can recite it, you can test any preaching you hear.

Cross references

• Isaiah 53:5-6
• Luke 24:46
• Romans 4:25

Pray it back

Father, keep the death and resurrection of your Son at the centre of what I believe and what I say.

What it means

The sinless Christ was made sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. Two things change places.

Why every Christian should know it

It explains how God can forgive without pretending sin does not matter. Our record went to Christ, his standing came to us.

Cross references

• Isaiah 53:11
• Philippians 3:9
• Romans 5:19

Pray it back

Lord Jesus, you took what was mine and gave me what was yours. I will not add to that trade or take from it.

What it means

When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous works we had done, but because of his mercy, through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, poured out richly through Jesus Christ, so that justified by grace we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life. The whole gospel movement sits in one sentence: God's character, his initiative, his Spirit, his justification, our inheritance.

Why every Christian should know it

It names the motive of salvation as mercy and the means as the Spirit's work, which keeps our testimony honest. Kept as a short passage rather than one verse, it also guards us from separating rebirth from hope.

Cross references

• Ephesians 2:8-9
• John 3:5
• 1 Peter 1:3

Pray it back

Merciful God, you washed me when I could not wash myself. Renew me again today by your Spirit.

What it means

Christ suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. The purpose of the cross is access.

Why every Christian should know it

It answers what the cross was for. Not only pardon, but nearness to God, and it was finished once for all.

Cross references

• Hebrews 10:10
• Romans 5:2
• Ephesians 2:13

Pray it back

Father, you brought me to yourself at the cost of your Son. Let me live near you and not at a distance.