We turn now to Ephesians, a 3d letter of Paul’s from prison (accepting the Pauline authorship of the traditional letters). Eph uses “gospel” six times: 1:13; 2:17; 3:6, 8; 6:15, 19. We begin with …

11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And
you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the
gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with
a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession-to the praise of his glory.

Some today want the “gospel” to be no more than announcing “Jesus is Lord!” That’s not enough because that’s not how Paul used the term.

1. The gospel is the “word of truth” and it is also the gospel of “your salvation.”
2. The gospel is part of God’s plan for the world.
3. The gospel is hope in Christ.
4. The response to the gospel is to believe.
5. Those who believe are marked by the Holy Spirit … who is a guarantee of the inheritance.