When The Gospel Changes (Galatians 1:11-12)
By Jennifer Waddle
“But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11-12)
There are many ways to present the gospel, whether it be to children at Vacation Bible School or to people on the street. But one thing remains the same—the gospel message itself.
Paul warned the Galatians that if anyone—even an angel from heaven—preached another gospel to them, they would be accursed. Those were some strong words for some serious times. And we are in some serious times as well.
Watered-down versions of what it means to be saved have infiltrated the church. Words like sin, shame, death, and hell have been removed from some pastor’s language. Even though the Bible is clear about the condition of mankind—sinful and deserving of death—people have decided to change the gospel to fit a softer, kinder version.
The wonderful truth of the gospel is that it doesn’t fit man’s agendas, opinions, or purposes. In fact, Paul stated it wasn’t according to man at all! Instead, the gospel calls people to repentance, to admit they are sinners and in need of a Savior. It demands they lay their shameful lives down in submission to a righteous Savior.
I guess you could say the Good News is also tough news. And because of that, people insist that the gospel needs to change with the times. It’s far easier to say “I love Jesus,” but continue in sin, (even calling sin “good”), than to say “I need Jesus because I’m a sinner deserving hell.”
One of the greatest comforts for believers everywhere is that God never changes. He is steadfast, true, and holy in all His doings. We don’t have to worry that one day He will come up with a different plan to save us. Instead, we are assured that “He has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”
Hold fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News that says, “There is a God who loves you, so much so, He sent His one and only Son to die on a cross for you. And when you repent of your sins, turn from them, and believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will be saved.”
Remember, the gospel wasn’t written from man’s imagination. It came through the revelation of Jesus Christ at just the right time and in just the right way. It doesn’t need changing. So, if you ever hear a “new” gospel being preached, run as fast as you can. Pray for discernment to know when the teaching of the gospel is “off” and test everything you hear in light of the Scriptures.
Be encouraged today, knowing you can count on God’s unchanging grace. The Good News is still the same Good News that has been preached from the beginning. That’s something you can count on.
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.
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