Gospel Definitions
By Trevin Wax on Sep 14, 2009 in Gospel Definitions | 
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For almost two years now, I have been steadily gathering a number of definitions of “the gospel” in an ongoing series entitled “Gospel Definitions.” As far as I know, this is the largest grouping of gospel definitions on the internet today.
This post includes links to dozens of definitions of “the gospel.” I have alphabetized the ones that are by name, and I have separated the ones that come from groups, ministries, and confessions of faith. (See a pdf version of all of them.)
Definitions from Christians in the Past
Definitions from Christians in the Present
Organizational and Corporate Definitions
Evangelical Dictionary of Theology
IVP Dictionary of the New Testament
Kingdom People Articles on “The Gospel”
The Trinitarian Gospel: Why We Need All Three Parts
The Gospel of God: Personal Atonement or Christ’s Kingdom?
Gospel Confrontation and Gospel Comfort
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Great post, but you forgot the Osteen definition of the gospel–that I would like to know!
Jason | Sep 14, 2009 | Reply
I’m not going to lie…that would be pretty interesting. I can’t imagine I would agree with it, but I would admit to being curious! I’m glad you got all of these in one spot. I’ve enjoyed these posts.
Dan | Sep 14, 2009 | Reply
John MacArthur in Ashamed of the Gospel:
The gospel—in the sense Paul and the apostles employed the word—includes all the revealed truth about Christ (cf Rom. 1:1-6; 1 Cor. 15:3-11). It does not stop at the point of conversion and justification by faith, but embraces every other aspect of salvation, from sanctification to glorification. The gospel’s significance therefore does not end the moment the new birth occurs; it applies to the entire Christian experience. And when Paul and the other New Testament writers spoke of “preaching the gospel,” they were not talking about preaching only to unbelievers (cf v.15).
Barry Wallace | Sep 14, 2009 | Reply
It’s good that we reflect over and over on what is central to the gospel in terms of the gospel message, but these days I am concerned how many preachers when thinking they are explaining a text of Scripture use the term gospel as a kind of shorthand label.
It’s as if they are too lazy or unable to exposit the text and revert to “christianised terms” such as “the gospel”.
Some Preachers need to wake up and explain the text to their hearers so they can truly apply it in the way it is inteneded by our Lord.
Let’s keep this great term for where it does crop up and let it fill out our message of truth.
In Christ
Gary
gary | Sep 14, 2009 | Reply
Where is your definition?
Justin | Sep 14, 2009 | Reply
Check today’s post.
Trevin Wax | Sep 15, 2009 | Reply
Do you have a pdf that contains all of these? If so, would you make it available?
Drew | Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
Drew,
That’s a good idea. Let me get it together and then I’ll attach it to this post.
Trevin Wax | Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
Yes it would be GREAT to see all this in one PDF. Let us know when you do. Thanks Trevin!
Warrick Farah | Sep 23, 2009 | Reply
Do you ever heard the Dallas Willard’s definition:
“trust Jesus”.
Thanks!
Daniel | Nov 9, 2009 | Reply