“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” | Galatians 1: 3-5

Our Lord sent the apostle Paul to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentile world.

God was pleased to bless the message and call out a multitude of guilty sinners to Himself. Many churches were established in the region of Galatia. After Paul had been imprisoned in Rome for the gospel’s sake, many false teachers came among the churches preaching a false message of works salvation. The apostle called it, “another gospel” or a “perverted gospel.” He also pronounced a strong curse upon all who declared such a message of, “Christ plus our efforts and righteousness equal salvation” (Galatians 1: 6-12)

Let us consider four things Paul plainly states about the true gospel of the grace of God revealed in these verses.

1). The reason why the Lord came in the flesh, “That he might deliver us from this present evil world.” It is very obvious that no man is able to deliver Himself from the pit of sin and guilt. Only a fool would say, “I need no Redeemer.” This is why the Lord came, to completely deliver and effectually redeem His people from their sin. (Matthew 1: 21; Romans 11: 26) We can be certain that He did not fail. (Isaiah 42: 4; Romans 4: 25; Romans 8: 32) Any preaching that does not set Jesus Christ forth as the complete and effectual Deliverer, is “another gospel.”

2). How did He accomplish this deliverance? “Who gave himself for our sins.” The redemption of the Lord’s sheep came at a great price. (Acts 20: 28) He purchased us with His own blood. (1 Peter 1: 18) Atonement and payment for sin can only be achieved by Jesus Christ our great High Priest. (Hebrews 9: 12; 1 Peter 3: 18; 2 Corinthians 5: 21; 1 John 4: 10) Any preaching that does not declare Jesus Christ’s triumphant and complete atonement for sin is, “another gospel.”

3). Why Jesus Christ came and why He died, “According to the will of God and our Father.” If it had not been for the predestinating purpose of God and His eternal decree, Jesus Christ would not have died. (Acts 2: 23) If Christ had not died, none would be delivered. Salvation is always accomplished, determined and dependent upon God alone. Any preaching that makes salvation dependent and determined according to the will of men is “another gospel.” (John 1: 12-13; James 1: 18; Romans 9: 15-16)

4). What shall we say concerning this great salvation, “To whom be glory for ever and ever.” The grand design and ultimate end of everything God wills and performs is His glory. (Exodus 33: 18-19; Galatians 6: 14; 1 Corinthians 1: 30-31) Any preaching that does not give God all the glory in the salvation of sinners is, “another gospel.”

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “May God Grant You According To His Riches”

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Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 20 June, 2021 | Previous post date: 1987 | Pikeville, Kentucky