Chapter 4
BEWARE OF DIFFERENT GOSPELS
(Galatians 1:6-9)
Before we begin our study let us pray,
Dear Heavenly Father,
Father we come before You in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Father God, we ask You to please open our ears, eyes and heart so we can begin to understand the warnings You have written to us concerning false teachings about You and Your ways. Father, please help us to understand the seriousness of these warnings and heed Your instruction.
Amen
INTRODUCTION
Let us recall that the main purpose of the letter to the churches in Galatia was to defend the authority of Paul and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To do this, God the Holy Spirit exposed some of the false teachings that crept into the congregations within the body of Christ. In addition, the Holy Spirit warned the membership of these assemblies and now us of the dangers that lie in store for those who teach and follow deceptions that corrupt the pure Word of God.
As we begin our study let us notice that the Holy Spirit, through the apostle Paul, expressed shock on how the members of the church in Galatia have veered from the true faith and condemned those who have and are leading them astray. To see this let us read from,
Galatians 1:6-9
"[6] I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- [7] which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! [9] As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!"
Let us notice the following verses,
6 … In reading “The Bible Timeline” by Thomas Robinson we discover that Paul’s letter was written approximately 13 years after he established these churches within the providence of Galatia.
7 … There was an element within the churches that were causing confusion by corrupting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
8-9 … Notice the warning is repeated twice … thus, it must be extremely important and worthy of our full attention. Secondly, the issue of corrupting the Gospel of Jesus Christ is so serious that the Holy Spirit tells us that if an angel or Paul himself would teach something other than the true Gospel then they would be eternally condemned.
Question: What was the Holy Spirit speaking against? What were the different gospels that He was concerned about?
To address these questions we will,
1. Review some of the significant principles of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. Explore a sample of the various types of non biblical or corrupted gospels.
3. Review the Holy Spirit’s message to you and me.
Before we look into what some different gospels are like, let us first review some of the major principles of the
THE TRUE GOSPEL
A good summary of the true Gospel that Paul was commissioned by God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to preach and teach is provided for us in,
Romans 3:21-31
"[21] But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. [22] This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. [25] God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-- [26] he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. [27] Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. [28] For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. [29] Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, [30] since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. [31] Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law."
Let us notice the following verses,
21 … A righteousness from God apart from the law has been made known. In other words, there is a righteousness we can have from God that is not based upon how well or diligent we follow the Law, along with its associated regulations and traditions.
22 … The righteousness we can have from God is through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
23 … We all have sinned and fall very, very short from the demands of the Law; hence we fall short of the glory of God. In other words, because of our sins we are under God's wrath.
24 … Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross we have been redeemed from sin and in God’s eyes we are freely justified. In other words, amends have been made for our sins and we are no longer under God's wrath. Instead, we are now under God’s Grace, which means under His favor.
25-26 … Through the shedding of Jesus Christ's Blood on the cross atonement, for our sins, has been made for us. God did this to demonstrate His very own righteousness. In other words, God could not overlook sin; a penalty had to be paid. However, because of His love, grace and mercy He paid the penalty for us. Thus, if we believe that Jesus Christ did this for us and place our faith in Him for our salvation then we will be justified. In other words, we will now have right standing before God.
27 … Because this righteousness is a free gift from God we cannot boast about any good works or deeds we have done to earn it. Hence, we can only boast of what God has done for us.
28 … This is the key issue. Specifically, we are justified or saved from our sins solely through faith in Jesus Christ and what He did for us on the cross. As we will see, anything in addition to this is a corruption or perversion of the true Gospel.
29-30 …Specifically, the free gift of God's justification is available for everyone that is both Jew and Gentile alike.
31 … Namely, God did not cancel the Law; instead, Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law for us.
With this background, let us now look into some of the,
DIFFERENT GOSPELS
To explore this topic,
1. We will first look into the New Testament and discover there were and are still some teachers from the Jewish tradition and from pagan religions who claim that some of their regulations or traditions are required for our salvation.
2. We will review three of the many modern perversions of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ that have infiltrated and are infiltrating within many of today’s Christian churches or assemblies.
To do this we begin with some of the
DIFFERENT PERVERSIONS IDENTIFIED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
As we read the New Testament we find that there were some teachers from the Jewish tradition, who claimed that,
CIRCUMCISION WAS REQUIRED
As of this writing I am not aware of this requirement creeping into today’s churches. However, at the time of this letter it was a major issue. Consequently, it will be worthwhile for us to briefly review what the circumstances were at the time when Paul wrote this letter. To do this we go to,
Galatians 6:12-16
"[12] Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. [13] Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. [14] May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. [15] Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. [16] Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God."
Let us notice the following verses,
12 … Before a Gentile, that is a person who was not Jewish, could come to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ, some teachers wanted to make it a requirement for them to be circumcised. They did this because, by the Law God gave to Moses, it was required that all males are to be circumcised. To see this let us read from,
Genesis 17:10-11
[10] This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; [11] and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.
Thus, because of possible persecution by the Jewish community, these teachers were afraid to teach that circumcision was not necessary for salvation.
Let us return to Chapter 6 of Galatians and notice the following verse,
14 … Paul, who was a Jewish Rabbi, that is a teacher of the Jewish Law and customs, only boasted in Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made on the cross for his and our salvation. However, Paul did boast about the fact that to him the desires of the world’s allurements, temptations and lusts were also crucified. To expand upon this, let us consider the exhortation God the Holy Spirit gave to us, the born again believer in Jesus Christ, in
1 John 2:15-17
[15] Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
With the above thoughts in mind we return to Chapter 6 of Galatians and notice the following verse,
15 … Here is the heart of the Gospel. The only thing that counts is a new creation. In other words, as Jesus said to Nicodemus the only way you can enter into the Kingdom of God is by being born again of the Holy Spirit.
So that there is no doubt in our mind for the necessity to be born again, let us read the conversation Jesus Christ once had with Nicodemus. As we read this conversation it is important to note that Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council. He was very learned in the Jewish faith, and a respected teacher of the Holy Scriptures. With this short background let us read from,
John 3:1-8
"[1] Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. [2] He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." [3] In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." [4] "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" [5] Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' [8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." [9] “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. [10[ “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?”
Let us notice the following verses,
3 … Jesus avoided Nicodemus’ observation and immediately addressed the issue of eternal life. Namely, to enter the Kingdom of God you must be born again.
4 … Nicodemus did not understand.
6 … Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. In other words, in the normal course of things, we are flesh descended from Adam. However, the Holy Spirit gives birth to the spirit. Namely, it is only the Holy Spirit, God Himself, who imparts His divine nature in us and makes us spiritually alive. This is the new birth or being born again.
9-10 … Jesus was surprised that Nicodemus did not understand.
With this in mind let us again return to Chapter 6 of Galatians and this time notice verse,
16 … As we maintain our faith in the true Gospel of God we can expect His Peace and Mercy.
In addition to the above practice from the Jewish religion, there were and are also those from pagan religions who taught and still do teach that,
CELIBACY AND ABSTINENCE FROM CERTAIN FOODS IS REQUIRED
To see this let us read from,
1 Timothy 4:1-5
"[1] The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. [2] Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. [3] They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. [4] For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, [5] because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer."
Let us notice the following verses,
1-3 … Teachings like celibacy and abstinence from certain foods are demonic and are from deceiving spirits.
4 … All food created by God is good if it is received with thanksgiving and prayer. This is one of the reasons we pray before we eat, that is to thank God for the food and ask Him to use it to keep us healthy and strong.
5 … Notice our food is consecrated, that is made whole, by prayer.
We also find that there were and are some teachers who teach that
FESTIVALS, SABBATHS AND MAN MADE PHILOSOPHIES ARE REQUIRED OR HELPFUL
To explore these concerns we begin by reading from,
Colossians 2:4-8
"[4] I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. [5] For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. [6] So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, [7] rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. [8] See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Let us notice the following verses,
4 … The Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul wrote this so we would be forewarned and not be taken in by cleaver and deceitful teachers and teachings.
6-7 … As, through faith, we initially received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we are exhorted to continue our Christian journey, by faith in Him.
8 … Beware of philosophy and empty deceit from the traditions of men. In other words we are to avoid any man made philosophy, method and/or technique that promise a solution to our difficulties other than our reliance upon Jesus Christ and His Word. This brings us to,
SOME MODERN DAY PERVERSIONS THAT HAVE INFILTRATED IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
To do this we will explore only the following three of the myriad deceptions that have crept in the Christian Church: (1) Healing of Memories, (2) Positive Confession and (3) New Age Thinking.
We begin by examining the deception of the technique for the
Healing of Memories or Inner Healing
This was also brought into the church by Agnas Sanford and was/is promoted by David Seamonds. The premise of this practice is that the uncovering of hidden bad memories is the key to emotional and spiritual well being.
This practice uses visualization techniques for you and Jesus to walk back in time and visualize Him healing you of your bad memories, experiences and the promoting of forgiveness for wrong doings. It is noted, this is also an occult practice.
The Bible teaches us that we can only have peace within us through faith in Jesus Christ (John 16:33 & John 14:27). At the time of our new birth past sins and wrong doings have been forgiven and our conscience has been cleansed. In other words, the born again believer is a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17 & Hebrews 10:22).
Secondly, there is the technique identified as a
Positive Confession
The premise of this practice is that faith is a positive force God used to create the universe. Hence, we too by faith can create with our minds, whatever we want by using those same so called “God’s laws of faith.”
This movement also believes that even non Christians can develop the so called “God’s laws of faith” and create or bring into fruition their desires.
Some of the well known proponents of this practice were and are Kenneth Hagen, Kenneth Copeland, Norman Vincent Peale, Robert Schuler and Joel Osteen.
First of all, the Bible teaches us that the universe and all that is in it was created by God speaking them into existence (Genesis 1:1-2:3). Consequently, God and God alone is the Creator and we are the created (Ezekiel 34:3). Furthermore, the Bible teaches us that it is God who gives each one of His children the spiritual gifts, functions and positions for us to perform His will (1 Corinthians 12:4-30). In addition, the Bible teaches us we are to pray in Jesus’ Name (John 16:23-24), which means in accordance with His will and desires (1 John 5:14-15).
Our third and last example is the method or technique of
New Age Thinking
Unity is the dominate theme for this movement. The Universe is a living and conscious entity called God. Consequently, we must live in peace and harmony with the world around us.
This movement believes that the various religious doctrines are divisive and disturb the harmony. Consequently, one of the beliefs of the new age is that to bring harmony, it will usher in the ecumenical union of all religions.
The famous book that is often quoted from in some of the “so called Christian teachings” is titled: “The Road Less Travelled” by M. Scott Peck. Also, in Warren Smith’s book titled; “A Wonderful Deception” he reveals the “New Age” implications within Rick Warren’s teaching and within the so called Bible paraphrase titled; The Message.”
The Bible reveals to us that God is a person and not some created entity or object (John 20:24-29). The Bible clearly teaches us that Jesus Christ is the only person by whom we are saved from our sins and transgressions (Acts 4:12). The Bible also teaches us that true harmony and peace between peoples will only come when Jesus Christ returns to bring us into the newly created heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1-7).
To see that we do not need the above philosophies or teachings take us away from the true source of our help, let us consider what the Holy Spirit said through the Apostle Peter in,
2 Peter 1:3-4
"[3] His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. [4] Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
In other words, through faith in Jesus Christ, the born again believer has everything they need to live a life of godliness and to escape the spiritual corruption and lusts of this world's system.
With all the above in mind let us now return to Paul’s letter to the Colossians and read from,
Colossians 2:8-23
[8] See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. [9] For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, [10] and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. [11] In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, [12] having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. [13] When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, [14] having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. [15] And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. [16] Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. [17] These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. [18] Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. [19] He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. [20] Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: [21] "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? [22] These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. [23] Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence."
9-10 … Jesus Christ is true man and true God. Hence all those who are born again believers are complete in Him. Also notice, Jesus is the head over everything. So why not rely upon Him rather than the empty, deceptive philosophies and methods to help us overcome our problems?
11 … Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ has circumcised our heart to do good deeds.
12-15 … Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ we have been forgiven for all our sins. There is no longer any warrant or decree out against us. Therefore we are free! Free from the guilt and stain of sin.
16-17 … All the feasts, Sabbaths, food restrictions, etc. of the Old Testament were given to foretell of the time when Jesus Christ would come and fulfill the law for us, see Volume II, Old Testament Foreshadowings."
18-19 … Do not let anything or anyone take you away from simple and pure faith in Jesus Christ and what He has done for you. Notice that those who stray away have lost their connection with Jesus Christ and the source of all the spiritual power and growth they need.
20-22 … Now that Jesus Christ has set us free from the basic principles of this world and the empty philosophies and traditions of man, why go back to them?
23 … All of man's philosophies, methods, procedures and traditions make one appear to be righteous and holy. However, they are of no value against the sinful nature. Why? Because it is only the Holy Spirit, Who lives and dwells within the born again believer, Who gives us power over sin and Satan.
With all the above in mind perhaps we now have a better appreciation of what the Holy Spirit has to say about those who preach and teach a gospel other than the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. To refresh our memory let us reread,
Galatians 1:8-9
"[8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! [9] As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!"
THE MESSAGE FOR YOU AND ME
Now one might say that this study is fine to exhort the preachers and teachers to be diligent and careful to only teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but what about the other members of the Body of Christ? What about those who are not in those positions? What is the message for them?
The message is to stay away from anyone or anything or any religious system that either adds to or takes away from the pure Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To see this let us read from,
Romans 16:17-20
"[17] I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. [18] For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. [19] Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. [20] The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you."
Let us notice the following verses,
17 … Keep away from them!
18 … Those who teach a different gospel, that is to augment it by adding to or subtracting from the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ, are not serving Him but are serving themselves.
19 … The purpose for this instruction is for us to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.
CLOSING
Let us now close our study by reading the following Scriptures,
Romans 16:25-27
"[25] Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, [26] but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him-- [27] to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen."