Preserving the True Message for Everyone
Introduction
The gospel is a message from God about hope, love, and second chances. It’s been a source of comfort and guidance for people for centuries, teaching us to be humble, forgive others, and love without limits. But, like anything important, the message of the gospel is not immune to being misunderstood or misused. Over time, some people have changed or twisted its meaning for their own benefit—whether for power, money, or influence. When this happens, the true message gets lost, and people who are searching for real answers can be hurt or led astray.
The Apostle Paul, one of the early Christian leaders, warned about this in his letter to the Galatians. He basically said, “If anyone—even us or an angel—teaches something different from the original gospel, let them be cursed.” That’s a strong warning! Paul wanted everyone to understand how serious it is to change or water down the real message. This warning isn’t just for his time—it’s for us today, too. It reminds us to keep the gospel pure and unchanged.
What Is the Gospel Really About?
At its heart, the gospel is about change and new beginnings. It invites people to accept God’s grace, seek forgiveness, and find a new purpose in life. It also calls us to build communities where justice, kindness, and love are central. The gospel isn’t just a list of rules; it’s a story of God’s love for us, shown through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
- It helps people find a fresh start through faith in Jesus.
- It encourages us to serve others and stand up for what’s right.
- It offers hope that goes beyond the struggles we face in this world.
But when people twist or misuse the gospel, its power to change lives is weakened. The message becomes confusing, and people may miss out on the hope and healing it offers.
Ways the Gospel Gets Twisted
Sadly, the gospel can be misused in a few common ways, all of which put human ideas above God’s truth:
Picking and Choosing
Some people only focus on certain verses or ideas that suit them, ignoring the bigger picture. For example, they may talk a lot about God’s blessings but skip over the parts about humility or sacrifice. This “cherry-picking” leads to a one-sided message that doesn’t reflect the whole truth.
Using the Gospel for Money
There are times when people have used the gospel to make money—by selling religious items, creating profit-driven ministries, or misusing church donations. This turns faith into a business and can make people lose trust in religious leaders and communities.
Mixing Politics and the Gospel
Sometimes, people attach the gospel to their political views, using it to push certain agendas. This can divide people, create arguments, and distract from the gospel’s main message of love and unity.
What Happens When the Gospel Is Twisted?
Changing the gospel isn’t just a harmless mistake—it can have big consequences:
- People Get Misled: Instead of finding true guidance, people may end up with confused or harmful beliefs.
- Trust Is Broken: When people notice leaders changing the message for their own benefit, they can become cynical or even walk away from faith entirely.
- Wrong Values Spread: Twisting the gospel can lead to attitudes like exclusion, judgment, or pride, which are the opposite of what Jesus taught.
How Can We Protect the Real Message?
To keep the gospel true and powerful, we need to make a conscious effort. Here’s how we can do that:
Look at the Whole Story
It’s important to read and understand the gospel in its full context—not just isolated verses. Learning about its historical and cultural background helps us grasp its true meaning.
Hold Leaders Accountable
Faith leaders should be open and honest about their teachings. They need to avoid letting personal opinions or ambitions take over the message. Communities should hold each other accountable and discuss interpretations together.
Encourage Honest Conversations
Asking questions and having open discussions within faith communities helps everyone grow. It keeps the focus on seeking truth and understanding, rather than just accepting what’s always been said.
Conclusion
The gospel is a precious gift—a light meant to guide and transform us. Twisting or changing this message goes against its true purpose and weakens its ability to help those in need. It’s up to all of us, especially those who follow Jesus, to protect the gospel’s message. We should approach this responsibility with humility, making sure our lives and words reflect the love, grace, and hope that the gospel is all about. In the end, any attempt to change the gospel or replace faith in Christ with our own efforts is a mistake. Let’s stay true to the message, help restore those who stray with kindness, and never put anything above the grace of Christ.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 