Galatians 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
What’s Your Source?
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About 70 years ago people seemed to have more regard for advertising and news than we do today. Maybe we were more simple in our approach to life or in our acceptance of advertising or news in days gone by, but that has changed. People are much more skeptical today, as well they should be. Many regarded news outlets have had their share of scandal, of plagiarism, and falsehood. Advertising is taken with a grain of salt today. The bottom line is that the news you give and the news you receive is only as good as the source that you cite.
In Galatians 1, Paul was refuting people who had another gospel and had put a twist on God’s plan. He says in verse 11, “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me was not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” The gospel is not just a plan or schematic. The gospel is a Person. That is why Paul says in verse 6, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel.” These people had not just turned from God’s plan; they had turned from God. They had not just rejected the gospel; they had rejected God’s Son. The gospel is a Person.
Remember to keep the gospel simple. Must a person receive, believe, repent, and accept in order to be saved? Well, yes, but those are not numerous decisions. There is only one decision. There is only one sin that damns and that is rejecting Christ. There is only one virtue that saves and that is receiving Christ, and there is only one decision that stands between a person and eternity and that is what they do with God’s Son. To reject the gospel is not merely to reject a doctrine, dogma, or plan; it is to reject a Person. Keep the gospel simple.
Also, keep the gospel Christ. He is the single issue of the ages. He is the single issue standing between us and the eternity beyond. We can rest in Him and proclaim Him in all His simplicity and sufficiency.