The Integrity of the Gospel

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The Integrity of the Gospel

Galatians 1:6-10 

“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!”

                  The most important truth in history, one upon which the hope of all humanity rests, is the truth of the gospel.  When Paul heard the report that the churches of Galatia were following those who desired to make obedience to the law necessary for salvation, he was deeply troubled.  This was not just a minor theological difference; it was an attack upon the very message of the gospel.  To distort the gospel message in any way is to distort the grace of God and proclaim a different gospel.  In response, Paul gives the strongest rebuke possible.  If anyone, whether an angel or apostle, distorts the gospel in any way, they face the condemnation of hell itself. This is not a light warning, but a serious and grave one.  To further drive his point home, he repeats the warning again.  If our eternal destiny hinges upon our understanding and acceptance of the gospel and what we proclaim to others, then we must ask the critical question, “What is the gospel?”

                  Throughout the teaching of Christ and the New Testament, we find the gospel communicated clearly.  First, the gospel involves the proclamation that salvation can only come through Christ.  Jesus categorically states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).  Jesus is the only way to salvation, and anyone who rejects that Jesus is God, come in the flesh to save us, will face particular judgment (John 3:18).  Second, the gospel involves the acceptance of the death and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).  The death of Christ is necessary, for in His death, Christ paid for our sins.  Paul writes that Jesus died for our sins.  This means that Jesus died to atone for our sins by satisfying the justice of God by paying the penalty of our sins on our behalf.  The belief in the resurrection is also essential, for it is the proof that our sin has been forgiven and we have the hope of eternal life.  Last, the gospel involves the response of faith.  That is not just the mental affirmation of the gospel but the response of obedience to the gospel (Acts 1:38, John 14:21-24, James 214-22).  Anyone who distorts this message by adding to it or subtracting from it faces the reality of judgment. 

 All religions do not lead to God.  Any religions that deny Christ lead to judgment.  Paul clarifies that anyone who distorts this message is “accursed.”  This means that they are judged with eternal judgment. The holiness of God demands justice and the punishment of sin.  The grace of God makes salvation possible apart from any work on our part.  The truth of God provides us with the assurance that this message is valid.  The question remains: what are we going to do with this message?  Will we believe and respond to the gospel, or will we reject it and distort it to fit our perspective?  We do not determine the gospel; we can only respond to the gospel.  

 

 

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