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The Christian Gospel
The teaching of Jesus and his followers has been undeniably influential in our world. It has deeply shaped our Western society, and has almost certainly shaped you, even if you’re not particularly conscious of it. Which is all a bit strange, because that teaching is largely focused on the meaning of Jesus’ death on a Roman cross, and the surprising claim that he had risen from the dead. How does this centuries-old message have anything to do with our lives today? The answer is found in exploring other Why was the title ‘Christ’ added to the name of this man Jesus? Everyone dies, so why was his death so significant? Is it believable that he rose from the dead, and why does it matter? More to the point, is any of this strange message even true? And if it is, does it really bring the peace, joy and hope that Jesus promised and to which his followers testify? These are the questions Tony Payne answers for you―directly and compellingly―in this short and highly readable book.
- GenresChristianityTheology
81 pages, Paperback
Published June 26, 2023
About the author
Tony Payne
77 books23 followersTony Payne began work as Matthias Media’s first editor in 1988. Since then, Tony has been a busy guy: with his wife, Alison, he has grown a family of five children; he has completed a degree in theology at Moore Theological College; and he has written or co-written numerous ministry resources, and edited many others. Tony’s main responsibilities are to oversee everything we publish (including The Briefing), and to get as much writing done as possible.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 24, 2025
Great book and resource that clearly explains the Christian gospel. A short read that you can read in a day or a couple sittings. Best used if you are a Christian to read it with a friend or family member that you want to share the gospel with! Also makes for a great present/ gift.
September 26, 2024
A short and simple book that can be read in one sitting. It helpfully outlines the gospel: painting God as creator of the world, human’s rebellion against God, God’s justice and mercy in sending His Son to die for the sins of the world, Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and our required (and life-changing) response. A good book tailored to the considering-Christian, but equally helpful for the new or mature Christian.
July 7, 2025
very good breakdown that would be easy for people to understand
January 28, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
An excellent explanation of the Christian message or gospel, which the author has explains as “a piece of big news, often good news-although that depends on your perspective. ‘Russia has invaded Ukraine’ is a 'gospel': an announcement about a momentous event that will have massive implications for many people. Whether you think it is 'good news' or bad news' rather depends on your allegiances…”
This kind of illustration is characteristic of the author’s simplicity and also conversational style in explaining possibly now unfamiliar terms of ideas to post-Christian Westerners in particular. He also follows something of a (very abbreviated but accurate) summary of the Bible’s unfolding plot line.
Here’s the author’s description of the human condition which I find arresting!
“Human beings are clever, beautiful, loving, courageous and full of potential. Human beings are stupid, dishonest, incompetent, greedy,
violent, hate-filled and corrupt. Both of these sentences are evidently and obviously true. They are scrawled across the pages of history; they are the constant themes of our politics and our daily relationships; and they describe the line that runs down the middle of our own souls.” A little later he writes, “We tum our backs on God, with a shake of our fist in his face. Some of us are more subtle about it. We just ignore God. We ghost him, block his number, and get on with life without him.” Memorably put.
For the good news and why Jesus Christ really is the hero, you’d have to read on. But I think this short book which could be read in an afternoon would be suitable for the cultural Christian interested in returning to real understanding and practice, and to the post-Christian ‘none’/‘no religion’ or someone from a non-Christian background who wanted to grasp the central essence of Christianity.
Disclosure: I formerly served on the board of the publisher of this book, for which I received no remuneration, and I consider the author a friend. I paid full price for the book I reviewed here.
An excellent explanation of the Christian message or gospel, which the author has explains as “a piece of big news, often good news-although that depends on your perspective. ‘Russia has invaded Ukraine’ is a 'gospel': an announcement about a momentous event that will have massive implications for many people. Whether you think it is 'good news' or bad news' rather depends on your allegiances…”
This kind of illustration is characteristic of the author’s simplicity and also conversational style in explaining possibly now unfamiliar terms of ideas to post-Christian Westerners in particular. He also follows something of a (very abbreviated but accurate) summary of the Bible’s unfolding plot line.
Here’s the author’s description of the human condition which I find arresting!
“Human beings are clever, beautiful, loving, courageous and full of potential. Human beings are stupid, dishonest, incompetent, greedy,
violent, hate-filled and corrupt. Both of these sentences are evidently and obviously true. They are scrawled across the pages of history; they are the constant themes of our politics and our daily relationships; and they describe the line that runs down the middle of our own souls.” A little later he writes, “We tum our backs on God, with a shake of our fist in his face. Some of us are more subtle about it. We just ignore God. We ghost him, block his number, and get on with life without him.” Memorably put.
For the good news and why Jesus Christ really is the hero, you’d have to read on. But I think this short book which could be read in an afternoon would be suitable for the cultural Christian interested in returning to real understanding and practice, and to the post-Christian ‘none’/‘no religion’ or someone from a non-Christian background who wanted to grasp the central essence of Christianity.
Disclosure: I formerly served on the board of the publisher of this book, for which I received no remuneration, and I consider the author a friend. I paid full price for the book I reviewed here.
June 26, 2026
This is one of the books our church is looking at using for follow-up after service for those who want to learn more. This book is the more in-depth version of the two ways to live tract by Tony Payne of Matthias Media.
One thing this book does very well is that it does a great job of communicating Christ with a contemporary Western audience. That is the main draw to use this resource. It is also well reasoned in its appeal to come to Christ using the style of the two ways to live gospel presentation.
However, there were two things that caught my eye while reading:
1) The first was the author’s own translation that “gospel” means “a momentous announcement” instead of the more accurate “good news.” While not significant, this struck me as odd and sporadically appeared through the whole book and was even in the subtitle. Yes, the good news of Jesus Christ is truly momentous news, but that’s not the meaning of “gospel.” Why interpret it this way?
2) The second and more significant was the discussion of the image of God in man. He writes, “The only thing that the passage [Genesis 1:26-28] itself says about “the image of God” is that like God, humanity is supposed to rule over the world.” This does not do full justice to what the Bible means by God’s image and likeness. This also misses an opportunity to describe the character of God as holy, which could later be brought up with a skillful use of the law to reveal the holiness of God and sinfulness of man. It now makes more sense why the shorter tract emphasizes the role of God as Ruler. While yes, God is Ruler and He did delegate rule of earth to humanity, the Imago Dei is more complex. This comes short in definition.
Overall, I think it is a good book and that it may be useful to give to someone open to the faith. I will definitely keep it on my radar as we continue to discuss potential resources.
One thing this book does very well is that it does a great job of communicating Christ with a contemporary Western audience. That is the main draw to use this resource. It is also well reasoned in its appeal to come to Christ using the style of the two ways to live gospel presentation.
However, there were two things that caught my eye while reading:
1) The first was the author’s own translation that “gospel” means “a momentous announcement” instead of the more accurate “good news.” While not significant, this struck me as odd and sporadically appeared through the whole book and was even in the subtitle. Yes, the good news of Jesus Christ is truly momentous news, but that’s not the meaning of “gospel.” Why interpret it this way?
2) The second and more significant was the discussion of the image of God in man. He writes, “The only thing that the passage [Genesis 1:26-28] itself says about “the image of God” is that like God, humanity is supposed to rule over the world.” This does not do full justice to what the Bible means by God’s image and likeness. This also misses an opportunity to describe the character of God as holy, which could later be brought up with a skillful use of the law to reveal the holiness of God and sinfulness of man. It now makes more sense why the shorter tract emphasizes the role of God as Ruler. While yes, God is Ruler and He did delegate rule of earth to humanity, the Imago Dei is more complex. This comes short in definition.
Overall, I think it is a good book and that it may be useful to give to someone open to the faith. I will definitely keep it on my radar as we continue to discuss potential resources.
July 18, 2024
I love the Two Ways to Live presentation of the gospel, and this just takes that and expands it into a booklet length treatment. There are a few words and illustrations that are very Australian, but it’s a wonderful book to hand someone (or better, read with someone) to try and get a simple but full understanding of the gospel.
November 26, 2023
This book is essentially an extended version of the gospel track /2 Ways to Live/. It is a fantastic resource to read with those who don't identify themselves as Christians.
I (and others) have been going through it with our middle schoolers, and I look forward to using it one-to-one as well.
I (and others) have been going through it with our middle schoolers, and I look forward to using it one-to-one as well.
June 11, 2025
A clear and expanded look at the Two Ways to Live presentation of the Gospel. Payne did a nice and thoughtful job in writing the book for unbelievers and those unfamiliar with church, making sure to not assume any prior knowledge or use "church-y" terminology. Would definitely give to someone wanting a deeper introduction to the gospel.
January 16, 2026
A short but beautiful explanation of Jesus. Payne does the best simple descriptions of humans and life before Jesus, and then how life changed forever once he arrived. Easily read, but each chapter is impactful. Highly recommended!
September 17, 2023
A little booklet that articulates the gospel in seven phases.
December 9, 2024
Excellent breakdown of the basic elements of the gospel.
December 13, 2025
Clearly and concisely presents the gospel; definitely my favorite resource I’ve read on this foundational subject of the Christian faith
March 13, 2026
Good resource.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews