God's Gospel - Paul's Gospel

The true gospel is and always will be God’s gospel. It is the good news we preach and share because it is first of all God’s opinion! We dare not tinker with it. Paul shows us how he relates to both the God of the gospel, the people to whom he has preached the gospel, and to those who would preach a contrary gospel in the book of Galatians. Here are a few pertinent points:

Galatians 1:4-5 – It is God’s gospel and to His glory because it is according to His own will that he saves us.

Galatians 1:6 – When we abandon the gospel we abandon HIM. Read the text very closely. When we abandon the reality of the true gospel – we abandon God. This does not bode well for those who say they “just want Jesus” but do “not like doctrine.”

Galatians 1:8-10 – Whether it is a human being or even some supernatural spirit entity like an “angel” – it better line up with Paul’s gospel or he pronounces them “accursed.” Literally, cursed of God. And notice – cursed OF GOD! This text assures us we are to listen for and only receive the true gospel. And if someone or something preaches something different – we do not have to judge that vessel – because GOD already has! Let HIM be accursed OF GOD. Paul’s reason for preaching the true gospel is simple – He wants to please God and not men. Those who would do different are simply wanting to please men.

Galatians 1:11-12 – Paul DELIVERED as gospel what he RECEIVED as gospel. Faithfulness and clarity of message was first and foremost.

Galatians 2:4-5 – The false brethren twisted the gospel and Paul did not subject himself to them for even a moment! He didn’t come under their teaching – he exposed it. He didn’t care if they had other “positive things” to say because he had tuned them out once he discerned their underlying message! And this was so he would be assured the true saints would allow the impact of the true gospel to REMAIN with them.

So there you have it. Paul’s mindset and it should be ours as well. All true shepherds of the flock of God both proclaim and defend the gospel. They do BOTH things together just like Paul.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'But the righteous man shall live by faith.'" Romans 1:16-17 NASB

Dave

The True Gospel is Worth Defending

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8,9 ESV

Paul knew the true gospel was worth defending. Immediately after this text he states that he is pleasing God in preaching the true gospel. Others who don't are only man-pleasers.

I have warned about Rick Warren's false gospel in the "40 Days of Purpose" video for about 3 years now. See brief article here. And I have also briefly reviewed the first seven chapters of his PDL book here.

A few books have been written on the subject but very few "visible" ministries on the American church scene have "bothered" to defend the gospel. Of course, men like Dr. John MacArthur would be exceptions.

This dear sister in Christ - Tamara Hartzell - has taken the time to do a major online work about Warren's false gospel. This is very excellent and comprehensive. It is titled "In the Name of Purpose: Sacrificing Truth on the Altar of Unity." I have linked you to the introductory page. The complete online e-book is under "books contents" on the left side of the page. It is here.

Committed to the gospel,

Dave