If someone mentions gospel choirs or gospel music, we probably know what sort of songs to expect.

If someone says that you can ‘take it as gospel’, we may well realise that they are saying something they want us to trust.

If someone mentions the gospels in the plural, we might think of the Scriptural testimonies of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

But what is the gospel, and what does it mean? Literally the word means good news, or a good message. So, what is this good news?

In short, the good news is that for people who are in desperate need to be saved, a rescuer has arrived. Like the boys in Thailand in 2018 who were trapped in a cave received amazingly good news that the rescue divers had found them.

Good news is good because it saves people from peril. And that is the essence of the Christian gospel.

That God created the world perfectly including all human beings, but then humanity sinned by rejecting and rebelling against God, meaning humanity is faced with a just punishment for this treason.

However, God sent his son into the world to save sinners by taking the punishment on himself, on a cross, so that anyone who trusts in him can go free.

He then rose from the dead and rules with his Father in heaven forever, welcoming into his kingdom all who trust in him. This is why there is such good news to hear, there is rescue from peril.

That is the gospel. It is good news for all who believe. So today, how would you answer the question: ‘Do you believe in the gospel?’

Rob Parson is the pastor of Wooler Evangelical Church. He lives in Wooler with his wife and five boys, having received his MA in Theology from Oak Hill College in London.

He has previously lived in the North East for more than a decade, working for a church with students, children and youth. He enjoys reading, teaching, chatting, getting out into the Cheviot Hills and enjoying the beaches of Northumberland with his family.