Jesus Christ preached the gospel.  His apostles also preached how a believer can become the sons of God to inherit the kingdom of God.  Whatever Jesus Christ and his apostles preached instructing us how we may inherit the kingdom of God is the original and the true gospel of Jesus Christ.  The gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news for his people, tells us about the glorious exaltation of the sons of God in the kingdom of God. "1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. John 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

All gospels which are deviated from the gospel that Jesus Christ preached are caused by the twist of the word of God. "2 Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." People make other gospels by perverting the gospel of Christ. "Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."

Matt 4:23 Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom... Mark 16:15 He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel ... If Jesus Christ preached the gospel and told his disciples what to preach as the gospel, then what Jesus Christ has preached is the True Gospel. Then, what all we preach is the story of the author, but not the gospel.

(1) Jesus Christ Preached the Gospel

Jesus Christ preached the gospel when he was a man, Jesus of Nazareth. "Matt 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people."  He was the first person to preach the gospel to the people. "Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him." An example is the Sermon on the Mount.  His gospel is about the kingdom of God and the righteousness of God.  It is not about the things of this world. "Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."  Jesus Christ commanded his own disciples to preach the kingdom of God. "Matt 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand." After his resurrection, but before his ascension, he told his disciples to preach the gospel to every creature. "Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."  In the same great commission, the Son of God told them that they should teach all nations to observe (to live by) his commandments.  Therefore, the obedience to the commandments of Jesus Christ should be the main focus of the gospel of Jesus Christ. "Matt 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:"  All those who obey him will inherit eternal life and they will be part of eternal kingdom of God. "Heb 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"  This is the true gospel (the good news).  Those who do not obey him, but worship him with words of praises of their mouth, will have no part in the kingdom of God. "Matt 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."  This is the Ttruth.

(2) False (Another) Gospels

Religious and sentimental teachings, which are not based on bible verses, have shifted the focal point of the gospel to something other than the obedience to Jesus Christ.  A gospel which detour from the obedience to Jesus Christ is not the gospel of Jesus Christ, but another gospel.  God is calling Christians to come into the grace of Jesus Christ to enable them to obey God and receive eternal reward.  But people remove themselves from Bible truth to embrace another gospel. "Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."  Those people who preach another gospel are immersed in worldly lives, living according to a vision of earthly glory which is enmity to the cross of Christ.  God's word says that their end will be destruction. "Phil 3:18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things."  But the disciples of Christ preached the true gospel.  They admonishes the believers saying that those who are born again must set their affections not on things in earth, but on things in heaven. "Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." 

(3) Stories about Jesus Christ are not the Gospel

The life story of Jesus Christ is very important.  However, let us make a distinction between the story of Jesus Christ and the actual gospel.  A published book contains a preface to the primary text.  The story of Christ and the prophecies that foreshadowed him really function as a preface to the text where as the commands of Jesus Christ to his disciples as well as to us constitutes the actual gospel.  The great commission as recorded in the book of Mark says to preach the gospel. "Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."  The same commission is recorded in the Book of Mathew as teach all nations, ... teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.  "Matt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."  So, what is the gospel?  The gospel is the primary text from the books of the four gospels, that teaches us to observe all things whatsoever Jesus Christ has commanded us to do. The gospel is taught by Jesus Christ himself. Then, it is confirmed by his disciples through out the New Testament. If we ignore what Jesus Christ has taught us, but if we study his life story in its place, then we have shifted our focus from the true gospel to the preface of the gospel and call the preface as the gospel and ignore the true gospel. It is deception.

(4) Empty Belief on the Sacrifice of Jesus

God became a man, Jesus of Nazareth, and gave himself on the cross as the Lamb of God for the sins of the whole world. "John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  But the whole world is not saved. "1 John 5:19 ... we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness."  Christians think that they are saved from hell and will inherit heaven just because they believe that Jesus has died for them and will take them to heaven. False teachers, who are the servants of Satan, teach this. But this is not true even tough Jesus died for the whole world.  "2 Cor 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."  If we truly believe Jesus Christ, we will believe what he tells us and we will do what he requires us to do. "John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."  It is false and empty belief if we believe that he will do what we want him to do just because we believe that he will do it. Remember, he is holy and righteous God, who created us. He is not our faithful servant, but we must be his servants. He is our awesome Creator, Master, Lord and God. We must obey him.

(5) The Gospel must be Obeyed

We suppose that the gospel of Jesus Christ is taught everywhere.  However, Christians teach many doctrines as the gospel of Jesus Christ and most of them are verses pulled out of its context.  Jesus Christ is the author of eternal salvation to save only those who obey him. "Heb 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"  The gospel is to obey the commandments of Jesus Christ. Those who do not obey him will not be saved.  Learn portions of his life, praise him with words of exaltation in worship, etc should not replace the obedience to his commandments.  God will not give the reward, which is intended for obedience, to a person who does not obey God.  Further, God will punish those, who do not obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, with flaming fire. "2 Thess 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:"

(6) Commandments are Not Hard to Obey

Jesus Christ preached the gospel. Those who obey his commandments will even be made to rule as kings from the very throne of God.  They will be made joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. This good news is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  What are his commandments that we should obey?  Here is an example:  He says that our righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees so that we may enter into the kingdom of God. "Matt 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."  It appears impossible to fulfill his commandment.  But the word of God says that his commandments are not hard to obey. "1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."  Then what is the secret to make a hard task easy?  Two things will make it possible: (A) God's grace towards us, and (B) Our love towards God.

God knows that we are week.  So, he gives us grace to make us powerful to do the will of God. "2 Cor 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  Then, the grace of God--the strength and power of Christ--that rest upon us will enable us to obey him.  But God will grant this grace only to the humble. "James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 1 Peter 5:5 ... be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:"  If we are humble enough to receive the grace of God, he will give his grace and our faith and love toward Jesus Christ will increase. "1 Tim 1:14... the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."

Jesus Christ says that we will obey him if we love him. "John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments."  The only way to show our love to Jesus Christ is through our obedience.  If we love him enough, we will obey him by the power of his grace.  If we obey him, that is, if we obey his commandments, God the Father and God the son will come and abide in us. "John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;....23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."  If they abide in us we will overcome as Jesus Christ overcame. "1 John 2:14 ... I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him."  If we overcome as he overcame, then we will become joint-heirs with him and rule with him for ever. "Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." 

What is mentioned above is the nut shell of the gospel, which is the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ.  If we are God’s disciples, who follow the steps of Jesus Christ, we will preach this gospel of Jesus Christ to everybody starting from the message of repentance. "Mark 1:14 ...Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

(7) Conclusion

God the Word became flesh "John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us", that is- God became a mere man--Jesus of Nazareth, that is- God became poor so that the poor may become rich "2 Cor 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich", that is- the mere men/women can become joint heir with Jesus Christ and be rich in the glory of God for ever "Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."  Jesus of Nazareth spoke the truth, showed the way by his life, and preached the gospel to his people.  "John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Matt 22:16 .. saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men."  Now, his people will follow him in his way, in order to reach where he reached and to receive the glory he received. "1 Peter 5:4. when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Rev 21:11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;"  Jesus of Nazareth, as a man, abode in the love of God the Father by obeying his commandments.  If we obey Jesus Christ, as he obeyed the Father, then we will also abide in the love of Jesus Christ "John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."  If we abide in his love, then God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit will abide in us.  Then, we will be raised as Jesus Christ was raised from death to the glory of God. "Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."

A mere man/woman like you and me has the opportunity to be raised to the glory of God and be seated on his throne as Jesus Christ was seated.  God gives this glory, as a free gift, to those who love him enough to obey him.  God became a mere man to preach this gospel and to show the way of truth through his life, so that, we may follow his foot steps all the way to his throne "1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth."  Let us not accept a false gospel.  Another gospel is a gospel by the enemy, who pervert the gospel of Jesus Christ. "Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." We should not accept another Jesus, another spirit or another gospel. "2 Cor 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him."