How can we protect our church from gospel distortions as warned in Galatians 1:7? Galatians 1:7—A Clear Alarm “which is not even a gospel. Evidently some are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ.” Foundational Truths We Refuse to Negotiate • The gospel centers on Christ’s substitutionary death and bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Salvation is received by grace alone through faith alone, apart from works (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Scripture is God-breathed, inerrant, and the final authority for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Keeping these truths front and center prevents any counterfeit “good news” from gaining traction. Recognizing the Most Common Distortions • Legalism—adding human works or rituals to faith in Christ (Galatians 3:1-3; Acts 15:1). • License—turning grace into permission for sin (Jude 4; Romans 6:1-2). • Prosperity promises—shifting the focus from the cross to earthly gain (1 Timothy 6:3-5). • Cultural syncretism—blending the gospel with secular ideologies or other religions (Colossians 2:8). Equip the Church with Robust Doctrine • Prioritize expository preaching that unfolds entire passages in context (2 Timothy 4:2). • Offer regular doctrinal classes and catechism to ground every age group (Titus 2:1). • Encourage members to imitate the Bereans by testing every teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Provide trusted reading plans and resources that trace the storyline of redemption. Cultivate Congregational Discernment • Teach believers to “test the spirits” by comparing messages to apostolic teaching (1 John 4:1-3). • Model humble reliance on the Holy Spirit, who guides into all truth (John 16:13). • Train members to identify fruit in a teacher’s life and doctrine (Matthew 7:15-20). • Celebrate testimonies of discernment to inspire vigilance throughout the body. Maintain Leadership Accountability • Install elders who “hold firmly to the trustworthy message” and refute error (Titus 1:9). • Require plurality in decision-making to avoid personality cults (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). • Practice church discipline when leaders or teachers stray (1 Timothy 5:19-20). • Conduct regular doctrinal reviews of all ministries, curricula, and guest speakers. Guard Worship and Ordinances • Choose songs rich in gospel truths, letting “the word of Christ dwell among you richly” (Colossians 3:16). • Present baptism and the Lord’s Supper as visible proclamations of the true gospel (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Keep testimonies Christ-focused, highlighting His saving work rather than human achievement. • Anchor every service in public Scripture reading (1 Timothy 4:13). Depend on God’s Preserving Grace • Continual, corporate prayer for wisdom and protection (Philippians 4:6-7). • Confidence that the Good Shepherd guards His flock (John 10:27-29). • Steadfast hope in the Spirit’s power to keep the church “blameless until the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Staying alert to distortion, grounding every ministry in the inerrant Word, and leaning on God’s sustaining grace will keep the church faithful to “the gospel of Christ” proclaimed in Galatians 1:7. |
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