“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:6-10
Paul is writing to the church of Galatia. He starts the book off with an urgent message warning the church that they are straying from the true Gospel of Christ. False teachers were coming into the church and preaching that faith in Christ alone wasn’t enough, they were preaching that they had to also follow the Law.
Paul’s response was simple, there is no other gospel.
The gospel is the good news, the greatest news, that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again three days later. He did this so that those that would trust in Him would be forgiven and made righteous before God. Salvation is not earned by religion or by good works, it is received by grace through faith.
When we start to add our own merit, our own effort, our own works, we are no longer standing on the finished work of Jesus Christ but on ourselves.
In our current culture, this warning is just as relevant. We may not argue that some of the Old Testament Law is necessary for salvation, there are those that will say that our works or our prayers or our church attendance or service to Christ is necessary to complete our salvation. These are important aspects of our Christian faith but they will not save you nor do they play any part in saving you.
The gospel reminds us that our standing before God rests entirely on Jesus Christ. His sacrifice is sufficient. His righteousness is enough. We obey God not to gain His love but because we have already received it through Christ.
Paul reminds us that pleasing man or even oneself should never come before pleasing God. As culture, popular opinions, and even personal preferences change, we must always keep God first. He is the only One who can save us. We have to understand the simplicity of the gospel of Christ and the freedom it brings if we truly rest in it.
Remember there is no other gospel except the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must fully put our faith and trust in Him. Only He can give us true joy and freedom in life.
Counted Faithful 