The gospel is the “good news” that Christ has fully paid our sin-debt, and that we can be saved by placing our trust in Him. Saint Paul explained this quite simply in 1 Corinthians 15:3,4, “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 according to the scriptures.”
In another passage, this same apostle, Paul, explained further what the death of Christ accomplished for us: “To wit (or, know this), that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:19). When it says that God is “not imputing their trespasses unto them” (the people of the world) it simply means that God is no longer holding people’s sins against them, for Christ has paid for those sins. However, this does not mean people are automatically saved, for the next verse goes on to say, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
God has done His part by coming in the person of Christ and dying for the whole world’s sin. Now He simply asks us to be reconciled to Himself through believing in Jesus Christ. And the way God can even make such an offer is explained in the next verse: “For he (God the Father) hath made him (Jesus Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus Christ took our sin on the cross, and now offers us God’s very righteousness by faith. Do you believe this? It is as sure as the Word of God — trust Christ today and be saved for eternity!