Is the Gospel just a historical event for those who truly believe?
No. For those who truly believe, the Gospel is not merely a historical event. Although Christ's death, burial, and resurrection were acts in history, believers know He died for us, we were buried with Him, and we were raised to newness of life. Believing with the heart brings imputed righteousness, not just head knowledge.
Les explains that the Gospel is not just a historical event or head knowledge. He notes that many people have head knowledge—that Jesus lived, that there was a crucifixion, and maybe that He was raised from the dead—but it remains only head knowledge. For those who truly believe, it is not something merely associated with history, although it was certainly an act in history. They know that when Christ died, He died for them; when He was buried, they were buried with Him; and when He arose, they were resurrected to newness of life. Les says this is what Paul rehearses for our benefit: if we believe with the heart unto righteousness, God imputes righteousness. He mentions a good man's thought that instead of 'saved,' we should say we have been imputed righteousness, because that is exactly what God has done. Les connects this to Genesis 1, where God provided animal sacrifices for Adam and Eve, taking care of the blood aspect, and clothed their nakedness, and to Isaiah 61:10.