"Proclamation of the Gospel, NOT Modification !"

 

Galatians 1:6-12  "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from HIM that called you into the grace of CHRIST unto another gospel: [of] 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. But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of JESUS CHRIST."

     Only one true Gospel exists. According to our text, anyone who proclaims any other "gospel" is under GOD's curse (vv.6-9). In the Apostle Paul's day, false teachers were confusing the believers in Galatia by insisting that it was essential for them to keep various "works of the Law" in order to "perfect" their salvation (Galatians 3:1-3 see pictures below). This teaching was so dangerous that those who had been deceived by it were said to be "bewitched" (Galatians 3:1 pictured below). A study of this entire epistle clearly reveals that any modification (adding water baptism, speaking in tongues, sacraments, works of any kind, etc.) of the Gospel whatsoever is an extremely serious matter in GOD's eyes. The word "accursed" is used twice in this section and is the Greek word "anathema", which is the very strongest form of the word "accursed."

     In our day, many evangelical leaders are joining with Roman Catholics, Orthodox, Charismatics, Pentecostals, and liberal Protestants, saying, "Unless we all forget our differences and work together, we can never fulfill our responsibility to evangelize the world." But we must recognize that GOD has already doomed to failure any evangelistic endeavor that unites true believers with those who preach a false gospel. In fact, such an unscriptural union will only incur that LORD's disapproval and eventual judgment.

     Although Roman Catholics, Orthodox, and liberal Protestants use far more evangelical language today than they have used in the past, all such groups still preach an "accursed false gospel" by adding some form of works to the Bible's sole requirement for salvation: Faith alone in the person and work of CHRIST. Water baptism, sacraments, speaking in tongues, or good works are notoriously a part of their errant message. Since the heart of the true born again believer is understandably drawn to the evangelization of the lost, it is vital that we use discernment and beware of the danger of uniting with any who proclaim a false gospel. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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