How do we know that Christ's crucifixion is central to the gospel?

The centrality of Christ's crucifixion to the gospel is affirmed throughout the New Testament. Paul explicitly states in 1 Corinthians 1:23 that he preaches Christ crucified, which is a stumbling block to some and foolishness to others, but the power of God for those who believe. The entirety of the Old Testament and New Testament points toward this redemptive act, highlighting that everything in God's plan finds its fulfillment in the cross. Additionally, passages like Acts 4:12 affirm that salvation is found only in Jesus, emphasizing the necessity of His death and resurrection for redemption. Therefore, the crucifixion is not only central but foundational to understanding God's work in salvation.