What does the Bible say the gospel is?

It says the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

"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 the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Does the Bible say the gospel saves us?

Yes, UNLESS we have believed in vain.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

The word “vain” means “without success or effect” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

If we believe but do not OBEY the gospel, the gospel will not be a success in our life, because we did not allow it to have an effect on our life.

How do we obey the gospel - Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection?

We obey Jesus’ death by becoming “dead to sin” by repentance, his burial by being “buried with him” by water baptism in Jesus name, and his resurrection by being “raised up” by his glory by the baptism of his Holy Ghost.

The Bible explains this:

"God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?" - Romans 6:2-3

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:" - Romans 6:4-5 (See also: Romans 6:1-13)

What does the Bible say about those that do NOT obey the gospel?

"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:" - 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 (See also: Romans10:16, 1Peter 4:17)

How do we obey the gospel so that we are saved?

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38

"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:39