One True Gospel
Read the Text: Galatians 1
Memorize the Text:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me
(2 Corinthians 12:9, CSB)
Consider the Text: Galatians 1:6-10
The influence of Western culture on Christianity has formed a declared gospel that exists as a distorted version of the true gospel. This distortion focuses on humanity's thoughts, opinions, and ways instead of the truth revealed by the Lord through His work and Word. When a distorted version of the gospel becomes declared, immature believers can be led astray, and unbelievers begin to follow a fake truth. In Galatians 1, the apostle Paul warned against the presence of a distorted gospel and called people to hold to the one true gospel.
A DISTORTED GOSPEL
The apostle had a concern for the believers in Asia minor. He proclaimed the gospel to them in the past, and they had responded in faith. Now Paul has become aware that some of those who responded to the proclaimed message have deserted the truth. The image portrayed comes as a military soldier who abandons their post. Thus, the apostle recognizes that some individuals have renounced the faith and fallen prey to a distorted gospel.
The message Paul proclaimed became distorted as some individuals intentionally and unintentionally adjusted the message of the gospel. Some individuals changed the gospel message to grow their power and following, while others distorted the gospel due to spiritual immaturity. The existence of this distortion opens the avenue for a church of confusion.
A distorted gospel may contain portions of the message and even allude to Jesus, but the fundamental truth of the message becomes adjusted. The message becomes about one’s work of righteousness instead of faith in Christ. Such a distortion may appear noble because of righteous activity, but the basis of salvation becomes ground in one’s ability and not in the grace, mercy, and work of the Lord. Another distortion separates a God of love from the truth of God’s justice. This separation leads to an errant gospel message because it ignores the wrath of God toward the unbeliever. A third distortion appears when the messenger adjusts the message to suit the people's desires. This approach does not concern itself with speaking truth for salvation but speaking in soothing tones to become received by the ears of humanity.
Today, we must study and know the gospel to combat the threats of a distorted gospel message. What distorted gospel messages can you identify around you today? How are you preparing yourself to identify and overcome the threat of a distorted gospel message?
THE TRUE GOSPEL
The apostle Paul stated clearly that the gospel is not a message that can undergo adjustment. The gospel is one true message. Christ alone paid the price needed to pay the debt of sin. The gospel rests on the person and work of Christ. Jesus declared that he was and is the only way to salvation. Paul affirmed this throughout his writings and in his ministry. Thus, a believer must know the basics of the gospel to hold on to the one true gospel.
The gospel begins with a knowledge of sin. When a person recognizes their sin condition and the punishment that comes due to sin, they enter the position of recognizing their need for a Savior. Sin becomes known because of the presence of the law, which allows people to see their crooked nature in light of the straightness of the law. This moment brings forth an understanding of a need for a Savior because it reveals the deserved punishment.
The message of the gospel rest in the work of Christ on the cross and the victory in the resurrection. There he paid the price for sin and conquered the enemy of death. However, the gospel does not end with the resurrection because the victory is offered to humanity so that they may receive the promise of eternal life. This offering can only be received through the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior in one’s life through faith.
Today, the same message remains. The one true gospel Paul spoke of exists as the same true gospel today. When one responds to Jesus, it must occur through faith in Jesus Christ alone. When you think about your relationship with the Lord, does it exists through a personal faith-based relationship with Jesus, or has a distorted gospel slipped into your life?
TRAITS TO TRUE GOSPEL PROCLAMATION
The apostle Paul’s caution and challenge present three traits that impact the proclamation of the gospel today. First, the declared message does not exist to please humanity but to redeem humanity. The message of the gospel confronts the sin in people’s lives. As a result, the message becomes difficult to deal with because it does not soothe the ears of humanity but calls them to live for Christ.
Second, the message must never be changed. The message is costly. People often attempt to make salvation and the message of the gospel easy. They desire to remove the costly nature of the message so that people would receive it more willingly. At the same time, people adjust the truth by not mentioning the exclusive nature of salvation through Christ alone. This adjustment comes as people do not desire to infringe on others’ opinions. The key trait to gospel proclamation is declaring the one true message without alteration.
Third, the message must be proclaimed as a servant of God. When the gospel is declared, the messenger must be an ambassador representing the Kingdom of God. They do not need to seek a personal kingdom that exists around them. The messenger must be sold out to the Lord and obedient to His calling no matter the earthly cost.
Today, believers need to live out these three traits of gospel proclamation. They must live as servants of the Lord in faithfulness and invite others to follow Jesus. In your life, how are you living for Jesus? Does your life follow a true or distorted gospel? Does your message soothe ears or invite people to Jesus? Are you showing the traits of the gospel proclamation?
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
