What Is the Core Message of the Gospel?

Direct Answer

Yes, the core message of the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

According to Les Feldick, the gospel is clearly defined in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 as that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. This is the message that saves, and it is the only gospel Paul preached. It is not about works, church membership, or sacraments, but about faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.

Key Scriptures

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 — These verses are repeatedly cited by Les Feldick as the clearest definition of the gospel, detailing Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible, particularly in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, defines the gospel as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul writes, 'Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.' This passage emphasizes that the gospel is a historical event, grounded in Old Testament prophecy, and it is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).

What Does Les Feldick Teach About the Core Message of the Gospel?

Les Feldick consistently teaches that the gospel is solely the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that this is the 'purest form' of the gospel found in Scripture, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. He stresses that salvation comes through believing this message, not through any works or religious rituals. He declares, 'The Gospel is only one thing, and that is that Christ died for me, and He died for you... He was buried, He was really dead, and He arose from the dead powerful, victorious.' This gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and it is the foundation of all Paul's writings.

How Does Paul Define the Gospel?

Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, defines the gospel as the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Les Feldick highlights that this is the clearest definition, noting that Paul received it by revelation and delivered it to the Corinthians (Clip 4, Clip 7).

What Does the Gospel Include?

The gospel includes Christ's death for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection. Les Feldick explains that His death involved the shedding of His precious blood as full payment for sin, and His burial proved He was truly dead (Clip 1, Clip 3). His resurrection shows His power and victory, giving believers assurance of life (Clip 1).

What Is the Gospel Not?

Les Feldick emphasizes that the gospel is not about joining the church, being baptized, taking communion, tithing, or doing good works. These things have no part in salvation. The gospel is the finished work of the cross, and nothing can be added to it or taken from it (Clip 0, Clip 2, Clip 3).

Why Is This Gospel Important?

This gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). It is by this gospel that believers are saved and in which they stand. Les Feldick stresses that believers should be anchored in this truth, not swayed by other teachings. The gospel is the only message that saves, and it is the theme of all Paul's writings (Clip 0, Clip 7).

From the Teaching

Gospel as the Power of God

Les teaches that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and this power is not in church membership or good works, but in the gospel itself.

The Gospel Is Christ's Death, Burial, and Resurrection

Les proclaims that the gospel is only one thing: Christ died for our sins, paid the penalty, was buried, and arose victorious, and this is what we believe for salvation.

The Gospel Is the Finished Work of the Cross

Les identifies the gospel as the death, burial, and resurrection, and the finished work of the cross, which is the body of truth for salvation.

The Gospel Cannot Be Added To or Taken From

Les explains that the gospel is exactly Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, and that nothing can be added or removed from that definition.

The Purest Form of the Gospel

Les states that 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 is the purest form of the gospel, and that this is the gospel for all of Paul's writings.

Paul's Constant Emphasis on Death, Burial, and Resurrection

Les shows that Paul frequently references the death, burial, and resurrection as the gospel, even when not fully stated, they are always implied.

The Gospel Is the Preaching of the Cross

Les ties the gospel to the preaching of the cross, which is foolishness to those who perish but the power of God to those being saved.

The Gospel Revealed to Paul

Les explains that Paul received the gospel by revelation, and it is that Christ died, shed His blood, was buried, and rose again, which is not based on the law or just Messiahship.

Bible Verses

1 Corinthians 15:1-4: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

This is the key passage that defines the gospel as the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

Romans 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

This verse shows that the gospel is the power of God for salvation, emphasizing its crucial role.

2 Corinthians 5:15: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

This verse highlights the purpose of Christ's death and resurrection, which is central to the gospel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the core message of the gospel just about Jesus dying on the cross?

The core message includes His death, but also His burial and resurrection. Les Feldick teaches that all three aspects are essential, as they are clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

Do good works have any part in the gospel?

No. Les Feldick emphasizes that the gospel is not about good works, church membership, baptism, or communion. These things are not part of the gospel that saves; salvation comes through faith in Christ's finished work alone.

Why is the resurrection important in the gospel?

The resurrection proves that Christ is powerful and victorious. Les Feldick teaches that because He lives, believers know they will live also. It completes the work of salvation.

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Source Video

Watch the Teaching: Plan of Salvation: Faith Alone in Christ's Death & Resurrection