To say something is important means that it is significant, prominent, relevant, valuable and crucial. To say something is of first importance means that it is most significant, most prominent, most relevant, most valuable and most crucial.
So what is the first and most important thing ever? 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 has the answer
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: 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, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.”
The first and most important thing ever is the gospel.
- That Jesus Christ died for your rebellion and mine.
- That it was always God’s plan, prophesied in the Old Testament.
- That Jesus was dead, buried, but is now alive and kicking, having smashed the power of Satan, sin and death.
- That Jesus' resurrection is historical and factual and can be verified by hundreds of people.
This is the gospel that Christians stand on and stand by. This is the gospel that saves us. And this is the gospel we must hold on firmly to, not matter what.
How important is the gospel to you?