Explaining the Gospel clearly is simple, yet sharing it can be one of the most powerful experiences a person can have. Despite its simplicity though, people for ages have tried to call the Gospel something it’s not. In today’s culture, knowing how to explain the Gospel unsurprisingly can become quite difficult. I was reminded of this while working my day job as a property manager. A woman called with a question about her rent, and when she learned of my other vocation in ministry, she immediately asked for a suggestion of how to explain the Gospel more clearly. Like many in this cultural milieu, she felt her ability to share the Gospel was lacking, and she was hungry for truth. Right there over the phone, in less than 5 minutes, I was able to explain the Gospel, we prayed together, and she re-surrendered her life to Jesus.
It’s time we take a moment to review. Because just like the lady over the phone, you and others in your sphere of influence need to hear the Gospel too.
Before we dive into the framework, if you want to go deeper on what the Gospel actually is and why it matters, start with What Is the Gospel? Then come back here to learn how to put it into words for someone else.
Here’s a 5-point summary of how to explain the Gospel clearly, from the Forge Multiplying Movements training. We can see clearly how to believe in Jesus and receive our status as children of God, as well as, let God refresh, encourage, and inspire us to remain steadfast amongst an increasingly non-Christian culture.
How to Explain the Gospel Clearly
There are many methods of sharing the Gospel, and finding the right method for the moment matters. But every method ultimately points to the same core message, and that’s what this 5-step framework helps you communicate clearly.
1) God loves us and invites us to a life with Him.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
God’s offer does not require strenuous religious activity, theological box-checking, or please-me-if-you-can hoop jumping. He only asks that we believe in and follow after His Son, Jesus—who lived, died, and rose again so that God’s love and life might be ignited in ME and in YOU.
“By this Gospel you are saved . . . that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day . . .” (1 Corinthians 15:2-4).
For practical, everyday ways to demonstrate this love before you ever speak the Gospel, see 12 simple ways to share God’s love in your everyday life.
2) Christ died for our sins.
Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). Our sin will lead us to death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23). No one can cross the gap to God on their own. The sin chasm is too wide.
Therefore, Jesus comes to us, paying the price for our sin that we might share the Gospel with confidence! Jesus took our place and our penalty for sin, to bring us to God.
3) Christ was buried.
Jesus could not have survived Roman flogging and crucifixion. After all, the Romans were expert executioners. Jesus really was God. He truly did take on the punishment for our sin.
“Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18).
4) Christ raised from the dead.
Jesus really did rise from the dead, not just spiritually but physically. Jesus’ resurrection is the most important moment in history! Without the resurrection, we wouldn’t have Christianity (1 Corinthians 15:14).
With the resurrection, we have the most amazing news ever told! We can explain the Gospel — the Good News — with confidence!
For a fuller exploration of the Gospel message itself, see what is the Gospel — understanding the Good News of Jesus Christ.
5) The Good News!
“Gospel” means Good News! Of course this word was used in ancient times to announce kings in great military victories. And, in the Gospel, Jesus is announced as the new King!
Our faith is founded on this rock, King Jesus. The death of Jesus really did pay the price for our sin. Jesus will resurrect us too when He returns. As a result, we can let these truths fill us with joy, peace, and contentment.
Jesus appeared to many people, proving His resurrection and power to transform lives (1 Corinthians 15:5-8)!
If you’re a new believer yourself, the Good News becomes your own story to tell — here’s how to share your faith as a new Christian using a simple 3-part testimony.
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It’s really that simple
Jesus died for our sin, was buried, and rose from the dead to reveal that He really is the One, true King and Lord of all.
The Gospel doesn’t take a doctorate in philosophy to understand. God places the cookies on the bottom shelf when He invites us to share the Gospel. Everyone, everywhere, has easy access.
You can pray a simple prayer like this one today to receive Jesus and become a child of God: “Jesus, I believe You died on the cross for my sin and rose from the dead. Today I want to being a relationship with You. I submit my life to follow You.“ If you have questions or would like to know more, you can contact us or visit PeacewithGod.net.
Has this Good News fully impacted every aspect of your life? Where do you need to allow the Gospel to more fully impact you—any key relationships? Your finances? Your choices in this season of life? How you invest your time? The people who need Jesus around you?
Knowing what to say is half the equation. Knowing how to start the conversation is the other half. Explore 5 methods of sharing the Gospel for practical conversation starters, or learn eight keys to effective evangelism for preparing your heart and the hearts of those around you.
Forge Speaker Nathan Burd does an incredible job sharing how to explain the Gospel clearly in the Forge training, Multiplying Movements. If you’re not familiar with this electronic resource from Forge, take a moment to download the free Forging Lives App. You can watch the “Rediscovering the Good News” video right on the app inside the section labeled “Multiplying Movements.”
