How does 2 Corinthians 11:4 warn against accepting "a different gospel"? A wake-up call from Paul “ For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus whom we did not proclaim, or if you receive a different spirit than the one you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it way too easily.” (2 Corinthians 11:4) The danger Paul exposes • False teachers were slipping into Corinth with messages that sounded spiritual but contradicted what Paul had preached. • Three counterfeits are singled out: – another Jesus – a figure who may inspire, but is not the sin-bearing, risen Son of God. – a different spirit – spiritual influence not sourced in the Holy Spirit. – a different gospel – any path of salvation that replaces grace through faith in Christ alone. • Paul’s alarm: the church was “putting up with it way too easily,” showing how subtle error can feel harmless while it guts the gospel’s power. How Scripture defines the true gospel • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures… He was buried… He was raised on the third day.” • Ephesians 2:8-9 – salvation is “by grace… through faith… not of works.” • John 14:6 – Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” • Galatians 1:6-9 – any “gospel” that departs from this message brings a curse, no matter who preaches it. Why tolerating a different gospel is so serious • It dethrones Christ, exchanging His finished work for human effort or new revelations. • It produces a counterfeit assurance, leaving souls unreconciled to God. • It fractures unity, because true fellowship rests on shared truth (Philippians 1:27). • It ultimately dishonors God’s word, implying it is incomplete or outdated. Counterfeits we face in our generation • Works-based religion: “Do these rites and earn favor.” • Prosperity gospel: “Believe and God guarantees health and wealth.” • Universalism: “All roads lead to God; repentance isn’t necessary.” • Moralistic self-help: “Improve yourself; sin is just negative thinking.” • Hyper-grace that denies repentance: “Grace means sin no longer matters.” Safeguards for staying anchored in the true gospel • Know the Scriptures personally (Acts 17:11). • Measure every teaching by the full counsel of God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Hold fast to the apostolic message handed down once for all (Jude 3). • Remain sensitive to the Spirit’s witness, which always glorifies Christ (John 16:13-14). • Stay rooted in a local church that proclaims Christ crucified and risen (Hebrews 10:24-25). Living out Paul’s warning • Treasure Christ as He is revealed in Scripture. • Refuse any message that adds to or subtracts from His finished work. • Share the genuine gospel with clarity and love, knowing it “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). |
    |