No Flexibility in the Message
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him!
Galatians 1:8 (CSB)
Fluid evangelism is essential when sharing the Gospel effectively, yet the core message must always stay the same. The apostle Paul exemplified this balance perfectly; he skillfully tailored his presentation to his audience while ensuring the Gospel’s message remained unchanged. His example highlights that while adapting our approach is important, we must never change the Gospel itself. The Gospel is unchanging because it is God’s message, concerning His work, and is His invitation.
The Gospel remains constant because it is solely God’s message. It conveys God’s plan for human redemption, and humanity did not create or have the authority to modify it. The apostle Paul emphasized that no one—whether human or angel—should preach a version of the gospel that contradicts the message of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel remains constant because it focuses solely on the work of the Lord. It does not include human good works, as none are truly good. Instead, it highlights Christ's work, which provided the necessary sacrifice to settle our sin debt. The message of Jesus proclaims victory over death, a feat only He could achieve. The Gospel's constancy stems from the unchanging and complete work of Christ.
The Gospel remains consistent because it is a divine invitation from God. It describes humanity's fallen state, Christ's work to address sin, and extends an invitation to follow Jesus. This call to come to the Lord is made through faith in Christ alone. We approach Jesus on His terms, not our own. Both the message and the invitation are unchanging. The invitation urges us to come to Jesus by faith alone. Following Jesus involves recognizing our sinful nature, repenting, and declaring Jesus as Lord and Savior.
We live in a world that seeks peace and purpose from the wrong sources. Today, many attempt to modify the Gospel message to fit their ideas and emotions. The Bible clearly states that the Gospel must remain unchanged. It is God’s message, rooted solely in His work. It is offered as an invitation from Him alone and reflects His character.
QUESTIONS
What examples of an altered Gospel have you heard taught, proclaimed, or supported?
What are some essential truths believers must develop to guard against falling for a false or altered Gospel?
