One of the most amazing qualities about the Bible is that as God reveals His will for our lives, so many vital truths can be expressed in so few words. To see this, look at the letter Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia. Paul had established these churches and his letter to them gives great insight into profound truths about the gospel.
The gospel is unique. He had preached the gospel to them, but they had failed to continue in their devotion to the truth. “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him that called you into the grace of Christ to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (1:6-7). They were turning away from the gospel, thinking there were other gospels. There is one gospel and any change to the gospel results in a perverted gospel. It is unique and there is nothing worthy to be compared to it.
The gospel is teachable and receivable. In the next verses, Paul reminded the Galatians how their salvation involved his preaching it (v. 8). The Great Commission was to preach the gospel, and those saints had received it (v. 9). If it is teachable and receivable, then it must be understandable. This is exactly what happened when those churches began.
The gospel is unalterable. There is no authority for even the apostles to add to or take away from the gospel. “But even if we…preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (1:8). There is not authority for any angel from heaven to change the gospel. “But even if…an angel from heaven preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (1:8). There is no authority for any person who has ever lived or who shall ever live to alter truth. “If anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (v. 9).
The gospel is certifiable. “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man” (1:11, KJV). The Greek word for “certify” involves more than stating it. God not only revealed the truth, but He certifies that it is truth. He who was the way, the truth and the life spoke the truth, and it was accompanied with miracles. He who was truth gave the truth to the apostles and first-century prophets. It was accompanied with more miracles. “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs” (Mark 16:20).
We have the truth. It has been certified. Let us learn it. Let us live it. Then let us faithfully teach it to others without any change. That is His plan!
-Dan Jenkins
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