What scriptural connections highlight the importance of adhering to the true gospel? Paul’s Shock in Galatians 1:6 “I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.” (Galatians 1:6) • Paul ties abandoning the gospel to abandoning God Himself. • The switch happens “quickly,” underscoring how easily believers can drift. • A “different gospel” is not a harmless option; in verses 7-9 he twice pronounces a curse on anyone who preaches it. What the True Gospel Includes 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 sets out the non-negotiables: • Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. • He was buried. • He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. Other verses echo the same exclusivity: • John 14:6 — “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” • Acts 4:12 — “Salvation exists in no one else….” Any message that adds to, subtracts from, or replaces these facts ceases to be the gospel. Revelation 22:18-19 and Deuteronomy 4:2 warn against tampering with God’s word, sealing the principle that the gospel must remain intact. Scriptural Warnings About Counterfeit Gospels • Galatians 1:7-9 — a distorted gospel brings a divine curse. • 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 13-15 — false apostles preach “another Jesus” and “a different gospel” while masquerading as servants of righteousness. • 2 Timothy 4:3-4 — people will gather teachers who tickle itching ears and turn to myths. • 1 John 4:1 — “Test the spirits,” because many false prophets have gone out. • Matthew 24:24 — false christs and prophets will perform great signs to deceive, if possible, even the elect. The New Testament Charge to Hold the Line • Jude 1:3 — “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” • Hebrews 2:1 — “We must pay closer attention… so that we do not drift away.” • 2 Thessalonians 2:15 — “stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught.” • Ephesians 4:14 — grow to maturity so you are not “tossed about by every wind of teaching.” • 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 — “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.” Practical Ways to Stand Firm Today • Stay anchored in daily, careful Bible reading; let Scripture interpret Scripture. • Memorize key gospel passages (e.g., Romans 3:23-26; Ephesians 2:8-9). • Evaluate every sermon, podcast, or article against the clear gospel benchmarks of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. • Keep gospel fellowship central; mature believers help spot subtle errors (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Rely on the Holy Spirit, who guides into all truth (John 16:13). Galatians 1:6, backed by these interconnected texts, paints a vivid picture: clinging to the unaltered gospel is not optional—it is a matter of spiritual life or curse, truth or deception, fidelity to Christ or desertion of Him. |
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