Central Truth

Anything that adds to or replaces faith and trust in the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross becomes a false gospel.

Reflections

Paul starts this letter reminding his readers of his apostleship.  He is speaking with authority as one sent by Christ Himself and not by mere men.  He also informs them that other brethren are witnessing what he is about to tell them.  This letter is all business without the niceties that are included in so many of Paul’s letters.  Still, he does give the formal greeting of grace and peace from the Lord.  This introduction reminds the readers that in order to experience peace with God you first have to experience His grace, a fact they seem to be confused about.  He also lays the foundation for his purpose by giving a clear picture of the true gospel by focusing them on the fact that Jesus gave Himself for their sins.  Jesus alone can do this and does it by the will of the Father.

The believers in the Galatia region allowed false teachers to introduce legalism into the gospel Paul preached to them.  These teachers said that the gospel, plus adherence to the Jewish law, was necessary for salvation.  This distortion perverted the gospel and made it opposite of what it was intended to be.  Cults and all "isms" do the same.  Mormons add numerous human standards to their faith to be counted righteous enough to enter their temple.  On top of this, they attempt to steal the glory of God by pursuing godhood themselves.  Our Catholic brethren endure institutional separation from God through duty to ritual and prayer through other saints.  Faith plus weekly ritual observance can become a distorted gospel.

My experience has convinced me that we can fall into the works trap also.  We fall short and are tempted to tip the scales back with good works rather than relying on Jesus.  We may also attempt to find significance through our works.  Our motives are many times mixed. At best, our motivation should be thankfulness to Him for salvation.  Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that we are saved by grace through faith and not by works.  For this we should be thankful.

Discussion Questions

1. How does Paul describe the work of Jesus?

2. What does it mean to be rescued from the present age?

3. Why is Paul so serious about the integrity of the gospel?

4. Why do some people have a tendency to add to the gospel?

5. Why do some people have a tendency to water down the gospel?

6. What are some reasons people gravitate toward works as opposed to trust?

7. What causes unbelievers to repudiate the authentic gospel?

8. Would sharing an altered gospel make it harder or easier for another to find salvation?

9. Why do some people actively share an altered gospel?

10. Have you altered the gospel in some way?  If so, whose purpose did it serve?