Gospel in a verse?

Someone once told me that the entire Gospel (Good News) was contained in one verse - Romans 6:23



For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

He explained that it quickly sums up the results of our living lives separate of a God who loves us...which is demonstrated by His gift to us.  It doesn't tell us how to earn it, deserve it or create a plan around getting it...it's a gift.  It's the ultimate in good news.  Good probably falls a little short here.


There are entire religions built around being a good person - doing the right thing.  That doesn't describe the receiver of a gift - that describes the receiver of a paycheck.

A gift is something received or rejected, but never earned...


I'm not sure any one verse can sum up the great news - but I do like this one...