When using shorthand for what Christians believe in, do evangelicals speak more about “the gospel” or “the cross”? It might just be the way I hear things, but I think we mostly use “gospel” as shorthand.
I am going to try to use “the cross” whenever I would normally say “the gospel”. “The cross” is what Jesus did for sinners, “the gospel” says nothing about the actions of Christ. “The gospel” cloaks and conceals the wonder of the cross in jargon. “The cross” causes offence, “the gospel” doesn’t because it says nothing, it needs explanation. “The cross” is the gospel and the power of God for salvation.
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:17-18 )
Transforming Grace 