A Simple Explanation Based on Galatians 1:6-9 and 2 Corinthians 11:14
The gospel—the good news about Jesus Christ—is like the beating heart of the Christian faith. It’s simple, life-changing, and meant for everyone. But as long as the gospel has been shared, there have been people trying to tweak, twist, or add to it. The Apostle Paul saw this happening in the earliest days of the church, and he didn’t stay quiet. In his letters, especially Galatians 1:6-9 and 2 Corinthians 11:14, Paul warns strongly about the dangers of changing the gospel message. Let’s break this down in everyday language to see why this matters for us today.
What Is the Gospel?
At its core, the gospel is the announcement that God loves us so much He sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, our sins can be forgiven and we can have a restored relationship with God—one that isn’t based on our good works or perfect behavior, but on God’s amazing grace.
Think about it like this: It’s not about climbing a ladder to reach God; it’s about God coming down the ladder to rescue us.
Why Do People Try to Change the Gospel?
From the beginning, there has been a temptation to edit the gospel. Sometimes, it’s because people want to make it easier to accept or more impressive. Other times, it’s about fitting in with culture or adding rules that seem “important.” Paul noticed this problem among the Galatians—people were starting to believe they needed to add their own efforts or old religious traditions to what Jesus had already done.
But changing the gospel, even a little, is risky. Imagine someone hands you a recipe for the world’s best bread. If you start swapping out ingredients, you might end up with something that looks and tastes nothing like the real thing. The gospel is the same way: change the ingredients, and you lose what makes it special.
Paul’s Warning in Galatians 1:6-9
Paul writes, “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—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!”
Let’s put that in plain English: Paul is shocked that people would walk away from the true message of Jesus for a fake version. He’s not talking about minor details—he means big changes that twist how we are saved or how God sees us. Paul says, if anyone—even a heavenly being—tries to sell you a different way to God, don’t listen! That’s how important it is to stay true to the original message.
Why Is Changing the Gospel So Dangerous?
Changing the gospel is dangerous because it’s not just about being right or wrong—it’s about people’s souls, hope, and eternity. Here’s why:
· The Gospel Is God’s Message, Not Ours: It wasn’t invented by people, so we don’t get to edit or update it. Our job is to share it faithfully.
· Twisted Gospels Lead People Astray: If we believe a false message (like “be good enough and God will accept you”), we might miss out on God’s free gift of grace.
· It Undermines Faith: When the gospel becomes about our effort, or about chasing after blessings instead of Jesus, it can lead to confusion, pride, disappointment, or even giving up on faith completely.
How Do People Change the Gospel Today?
A few common examples include:
· The Prosperity Gospel: This teaching says God wants everyone to be rich and successful, and that following Jesus is a ticket to wealth. It misses the point of Jesus’ call to self-denial and spiritual transformation.
· Salvation by Works: Some believe you have to earn God’s love by being a good person or following certain rules. The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift, not a reward for good behavior.
· The Gospel of Relativism: This idea tries to bend the gospel to fit in with whatever culture or society currently values, making it about being nice or tolerant but ignoring Jesus’ unique claims and the need for repentance and faith.
Paul’s Warning in 2 Corinthians 11:14
Not every counterfeit gospel looks scary or obviously wrong. Paul writes, “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” In other words, false teachings can look attractive, enlightened, or even spiritual. Just because something sounds “positive” doesn’t mean it’s true.
Think of it like a counterfeit bill—it might look real at first glance, but it has none of the value of the real thing. Some false gospels sound appealing, but they can’t save, heal, or change lives the way Jesus can.
How Can We Stay True to the Gospel?
Paul doesn’t just point out the problem—he gives us solid ways to keep from getting fooled.
1. Know the Real Thing
You can’t spot a fake if you’ve never seen the real thing. Read the Bible, especially the Gospels and Paul’s letters. Ask questions. Talk with others who are seeking God’s truth. You don’t have to be an expert, but the more you know the real gospel, the easier it is to notice when something’s off.
2. Test Everything
Don’t just believe something because it’s popular, sounds good, or is preached by someone famous. Compare every teaching with what Scripture says. Acts 17:11 praises the Bereans for checking everything they heard against the Bible. That’s a wise habit for all of us.
3. Hold Onto Grace
The heart of the gospel is grace—a gift from God, not something we earn. If you hear a message that adds a bunch of requirements or makes you feel like you have to work for God’s acceptance, be cautious. The good news is about what Jesus did for us, not what we do for Him.
4. Watch for “Angels of Light”
Remember that not all that glitters is gold. Some teachings look spiritual or enlightened but twist the truth. Just because a message is inspiring or exciting doesn’t mean it’s faithful to Jesus.
5. Let the Holy Spirit Guide You
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would help believers understand and live out God’s truth (see John 16:13). Pray for wisdom. If something feels off, ask God for discernment. The Spirit often gives a sense of peace or warning in our hearts.
6. Stay Humble and Teachable
None of us is immune to being fooled. Stay open to correction and willing to learn. Surround yourself with other believers who will help you stay grounded in the faith.
What’s at Stake?
Paul’s warnings are strong because what’s at stake is huge. If we lose sight of the true gospel, we risk missing out on the hope, forgiveness, and new life that Jesus offers. We can end up weighed down by guilt, pride, or chasing after things that don’t satisfy.
But when we stay true to the gospel—the real, unchanging good news of Jesus—we have a firm foundation for life. We’re set free from trying to earn God’s love. We find joy, peace, and purpose. And we have something solid to share with a world that’s desperately searching for real hope.
Conclusion
Staying true to the gospel isn’t about being stubborn or old-fashioned. It’s about holding onto the best news the world has ever heard. The warnings in Galatians 1:6-9 and 2 Corinthians 11:14 are there to protect us from spiritual traps that look good but lead nowhere.
Let’s commit to knowing God’s Word, testing everything, and clinging to the grace that’s been offered to us through Jesus alone. There’s only one gospel, and it’s more than enough.
Let’s guard it, live it, and share it—with joy, clarity, and love. Amen.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 