The term "Foundation of the Gospel" refers to the essential truths and principles upon which the Christian faith is built. These foundational elements are rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the teachings of the apostles. The Gospel, meaning "good news," is the message of salvation and reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ as the Cornerstone

Central to the foundation of the Gospel is Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "cornerstone." In Ephesians 2:19-20 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." This imagery emphasizes that Jesus is the essential and unifying element of the Christian faith, upon which all other teachings and doctrines are built.

The Apostolic Foundation

The teachings of the apostles form another critical component of the Gospel's foundation. The apostles were chosen by Jesus to spread His teachings and establish the early Church. In Acts 2:42 , it is noted that the early believers "devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." The apostolic teachings, as recorded in the New Testament, provide the doctrinal basis for understanding the life and work of Jesus Christ and the implications for believers.

The Death and Resurrection of Christ

The death and resurrection of Jesus are pivotal events in the foundation of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 , Paul succinctly states, "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: 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." These events fulfill Old Testament prophecies and demonstrate God's plan for redemption and victory over sin and death.

Salvation by Grace through Faith

A fundamental aspect of the Gospel is the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This underscores the belief that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human effort, but received through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Great Commission

The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20 , is a foundational mandate for the Church: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" This command establishes the mission of the Church to spread the Gospel and make disciples worldwide.

The Role of Scripture

Scripture plays a vital role in the foundation of the Gospel, serving as the authoritative source of God's revelation. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." The Bible provides the teachings, history, and prophecies that underpin the Gospel message.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is integral to the foundation of the Gospel, empowering believers and guiding them into all truth. In John 16:13 , Jesus promises, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come." The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and equips believers for service and witness.

These elements collectively form the foundation of the Gospel, providing the basis for Christian belief and practice.