The gospel rests upon the history of Jesus Christ: his birth, obedient life, atoning death, physical resurrection from the dead and his ascension into heaven.
The incarnation of Jesus Christ
The historical facts
Luke 2:4–7 See also Luke 2:10–12; Matthew 1:20–21; Luke 1:30–35
So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Its theological significance
John 1:14 See also John 1:9; Romans 8:3; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Galatians 4:4–5; Philippians 2:6–7; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 1:1–2
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The sinless life of Jesus Christ
1 Peter 2:22 See also Isaiah 53:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 7:26–28; 1 John 3:5
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”
The death of Jesus Christ
An historical event
Philippians 2:8 See also Matthew 27:50 parallels Mark 15:37, Luke 23:46, John 19:30
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross.
Its redemptive significance
Romans 5:8–11 See also Luke 12:49–50, Luke 24:26; John 17:4; Acts 2:23; Romans 5:19; 1 Corinthians 1:23–24; 1 Peter 2:24
But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him! For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! Not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ
Its historical reality
1 Corinthians 15:3–8 See also Matthew 28:1–8 parallels Mark 16:1–8, Luke 24:1–10, John 20:1–9; 2 Timothy 2:8–10
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth.
Its implication for believers
1 Corinthians 15:14 See also Romans 4:25 in relation to justification; Romans 6:1–14 in relation to sanctification; 1 Corinthians 15:21, 1 Corinthians 15:42–49 in relation to the resurrection of believers
And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith.
The ascension of Jesus Christ
Acts 1:9 See also Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50–51; Acts 1:1–2, Acts 2:33; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 12:2
After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.