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Exclusively Authentic Gospel

Galatians 1:8-9
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! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! (NIV)

Are there really many gospels: many ways to God? The Apostle Paul said, ‘No’! He was convinced that Jesus is the only way to God’s kingdom, and that His death on the cross was full payment for the sins of the world – God’s way of rescuing us from the evil in the world (Galatians 1:3-5). He asserted that there is no other gospel: and that anyone who should suggest a different way, or devalued the work of Christ on the cross - should be eternally damned.
 
The Holy Spirit made Paul so sure of this that he went so far as to curse himself if he should ever move from the gospel which Jesus had revealed to him. Even if an angel should bring a different message he should also be condemned to hell along with Satan. And so the false teachers, who denied that Jesus was God and the only acceptable sacrifice for sin, or who forced Christian Gentiles to follow the Jewish law, were as unacceptable to God as the devil.
 
This is very strong language indeed. It was designed to stop the believers tolerating false teachers who undermined the church and led people astray. We need to hear the same warning. While there are many expressions of church and styles of worship, there can only be one true gospel. Yet there are many teachers who either subtract from the gospel or add to it. All their changes will appeal to some people; but they do not appeal to the God who will judge them, and those who follow them. We must stop being naïve. If preachers teach a different gospel to what Paul so fully describes in his letters, then they are deluded, dangerous and destined for judgement. Pray that you will not be trapped by them; and pray that they will repent.

Prayer 
God of truth. Thank You for the boldness of the Apostle Paul in defining the uniqueness of the only authentic gospel, and announcing God’s condemnation on all who distort the gospel. I am ashamed to think of how easily I tolerate false teaching; forgive me when I have let it go by unchecked in my home and church. I pray that You will lead false teachers to repentance, and that those who have been led astray will be brought back to the truth. May I have an increased appetite for understanding Your true, unique and authentic gospel, as taught by the apostles; and give me a desire to share it. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams