Gospel of Grace

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach
a gospel other than the one we preached to you,
let him be eternally condemned!”

(Galatians 1:8)

Reflections:
Paul takes time to stress that there is only one Gospel. The other teachings to which the Galatians were exposed and to which many were turning were not merely variations on the gospel but a different gospel. Such is the uniqueness and divine source of the one true gospel that it may not be tampered with or altered in any way. To corrupt it is potentially to destroy the way of salvation.

“it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16)

The true gospel is “the gospel of God’s grace”. (Acts 20:14) In grace God gave His Son to die for us. In grace God calls us through Christ to Himself. In grace God justifies us when we believe in Christ. By grace God gives the Holy Spirit Who enters into our lives. The work of salvation undertaken by Jesus Christ is a finished work and nothing can be added to it. It is God’s free grace from beginning to end. Our salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone.

The source of the gospel, for us, is through the apostles of Jesus Christ. It is the gospel that is recorded for us in the New Testament. Paul is quite clear on this point and underlines it dramatically and seriously. It is far too important to allow anyone to play games with it.

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!”

Response:
Soak yourself in the New Testament – so that you will now the gospel of Jesus Christ and will immediately recognise any teaching that differs from it.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus You are the Truth. Please protect us from all teaching that is not of You and ground us in that which is, helping us to be true people of Your Word. Amen.

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