In this episode of "Effective Evangelism," host Catherine Van Der Laan and guest Gil Banton delve into the profound question: "What is the gospel?" Catherine shares a personal revelation about re-evaluating her understanding of the gospel, while Gil, a campus minister, offers his perspective.

The discussion goes beyond a simple formula, emphasizing that the "good news" begins with creation and God's original intent for humanity. They explore the concept of being "made in God's image," highlighting that humans are unique, created for love and community with God and each other, and not accidents.

Gil introduces the idea of "Christ's victory" (Christus Victor) as a broader understanding of the gospel, where Jesus offers victory not just over death, but over sin, shame, and everyday struggles. They critique the common "get out of jail free card" perception of Jesus, advocating for a view where Christ provides triumph in all areas of life, including finances, relationships, and identity. Catherine shares how understanding her identity in God has shaped her career and personal life. The hosts encourage listeners to know the gospel deeply and reflect Jesus better in their daily lives, concluding with a call to action to watch a recommended video from The Bible Project for further understanding.