A different gospel. In the beginning of 2 Thessalonians 2 Paul makes it very clear that preceding the advent of the “Day of the Lord” their will be the arrival of a great apostasy (v. 3) In Galatians 1:6 Paul was shocked that apostasy had already began. I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel. (Galatians 1:6) The Apostle Paul warned in the strongest possible terms about turning from Christ to a different gospel. Paul says But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8, 9) The Apostle Paul warned in the strongest possible terms about the attitude of God to those who would pervert the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can understand this, as it cost God, his only son, and Jesus a horrible death by crucifixion. Let him be accursed – Anathema, as used in the New Testament, comes from the Greek ana’thema, meaning “a person or thing accursed or consigned to damnation or destruction.” Used only six times in the Bible, the word anathema is usually translated as “accursed,” “cursed,” or “eternally condemned” in the more modern translations. Young’s Literal Translation, the American Standard Version, and the King James Version transliterate it as “anathema.” The NIV translates Romans 9:23 as “For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race.” Here, the meaning conveyed has do to more with one being consigned to eternal condemnation. It carries with it the idea of complete separation from Christ and His salvation. The American Standard Version (1901) renders this passage as “But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema. As we have said before, so say I now again, if any man preacheth unto you any gospel other than that which ye received, let him be anathema.” In the NIV, the words “eternally condemned” replace “anathema.” So, what was the other gospel in the context of Paul’s day that had such serious consequences? First, we have to understand Paul’s original gospel. What is Pauls gospel? Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and that He rose again on the third day. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) The Gospel consists of three points according to the apostle Paul. 1) Christ died for our SINS. 2) He was buried (proving he died). 3) He rose again proving resurrection. This has been called the gospel in a nutshell. It is the clearest statement of the gospel in the New Testament. It is not what we do for God, but rather what He, through Christ, has done for us. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Salvation is a free gift of God nothing needs to be added. Paul reiterates that a man is not justified by the works of the Torah. He is justified by God’s grace alone. This term is translated works in modern bibles however, it would be more properly translated in context as works of Torah. Paul warns the Corinthians. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes (preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel) which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! (2 Corinthians 11:3-4) (Emphasis added) Paul was defending his apostleship and the gospel, which was given to him directly from Jesus Christ. This Christ-given gospel was authentic and came directly from Jesus as opposed to what the false teacher’s gospel was. So what then is this “other dangerous gospel?” It’s a different gospel, which is not another. Galatians 1:6 NKJV I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, (to a different gospel, which is not another); but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. (Emphasis added) This different gospel, which is not another that differed from the one Paul preached to them, was you must BE CIRCUMCISED and KEEP the LAW of Moses which Paul gave no such commandment. In the Book of Acts, Paul answers the question: Is it necessary to be circumcised as required by the law of Moses, to be saved? (Acts 15:1) Why did Paul feel compelled to answer this question? Simply because this question was of primary importance to believers of the early church, both Jewish and Gentile. Some of the Jewish believers incorrectly taught the Gentile believers that they must be circumcised as required by the law of Moses, to be saved? A similar problem occurred in Antioch. The Jerusalem conference was called to settle this question of circumcision. A letter was written to the Gentile believers, to be delivered by Paul and Barnabas, accompanied by Judas and Silas. It is interesting to note what is said in Acts 15:24... we have heard that SOME WHO WENT OUT FROM US have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, you must BE CIRCUMCISED and KEEP the LAW to whom we gave no such commandment... (Emphasis added). There are two statements by Paul in these verses that should open our eyes. 1) SOME WHO WENT OUT FROM US have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls. 2) You must BE CIRCUMCISED and KEEP the LAW. We see, then, that it was not the apostles at Jerusalem who had sent these men to tell the Gentiles at Antioch that they must be circumcised. Rather, these men from Judea had taken it upon themselves to do this. They are also a part of the former church members that went apostasy. (I John 2:19) 2) They were teaching you must BE CIRCUMCISED and KEEP the LAW.’ In a nutshell (the other gospel) is given to us in (Acts 15:24). Some who had left the church were teaching that physical circumcision was required to be saved. During the days of Moses, the ancient rite of circumcision was related to covenantal identity. However, now it is a direct assault on the gospel by mixing the works of the Torah with the grace of God. This was the other gospel that Paul says, “is not another.” Circumcision had long been a part of their Jewish heritage, and culture, and lifestyle. Paul and Barnabas, and Peter and others already knew the truth of the matter. They knew physical circumcision was NOT required for salvation BY ANYONE (Jew or Gentile). Concerning circumcision of the flesh it was a non-issue with Paul, Barnabas and Peter. They taught circumcision was not required for salvation. The Jerusalem conference of Acts 15 agreed after the whole subject was debated. Gentiles who did not normally practice circumcision did not need to be circumcised. Paul writes to the church at Corinth, which was a mixture with Gentiles and Jews said, circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. (1 Corinthians.7:19) Paul taught Jew and Gentile, that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. Each person, Jew or Gentile should remain in the same situation when they were called God 1 Corinthians 7:18 Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. While physical circumcision was related to covenant identity and a relationship with God for Israel. It was not necessary for the gentiles in order to have a covenant relationship with God. Acts 10:44-47 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? The circumcised (Jewish) believers with Peter were astounded that Gentiles were speaking in tongues and extolling God, This outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the gentiles demonstrated to the Jews the validity of the gentiles’ salvation without circumcision. It was typical for the gift of the Holy Spirit. This means they are saved and have (all they need at that time) to be able to live godly and holy lives. Paul made the strongest possible case, that the great message of salvation had been preached to them and no other gospel was to be admitted, no matter who preached it. If any man preach any other gospel to them, let him be accursed. They were to hold on for dear life to the gospel Paul preached to them.
Posted on: Sun, 06 Jul 2014 13:34:17 +0000
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