And Paul Repeats, Let Him be Accursed Galatians 1:9 - Equipped for Battle

The Bible is inspired by God and written by men. We read these words written by the apostle Peter in Second Peter chapter one and verse twenty one:

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

So, when the Bible repeats something, we would be wise to pay particular attention to it. Paul the apostle has just expounded a curse upon any man, angel or even he and his brethren should they promote a gospel other than the one he first preached to the churches of Galatia. In chapter one and verse nine, Paul repeats this idea by writing:

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.

Paul begins, “As we said before, so say I now again.” As though the first time was not sufficient, Paul forewarns his readers that he knows his words have already been written, however, they are important enough to be written again. Like a principled father, Paul informs his children that he know he has already said what he is about to say, but this should not cause his readers to numb their ears or ignore him in any manner. Rather these word should be paid particularly close deliberation, and the fact that they are repeated should cause the churches to know the seriousness of their application.

Paul continued, “If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed.” Once again the gospel of Jesus Christ is known to be exclusive, one minded, and without compromise. Paul said, “any other gospel”. There is no other gospel, no other way, no other name given among men whereby men and women may be saved. Though people promote their ideas and religions all over the world, Paul says, “let them be accursed.” The implication by Paul is dramatic and strong because he knows the eternal consequences for believing any other way.

The people of Galatia “received” the gospel that Paul first preached to them. They believed in the all sufficient grace of Jesus Christ to pay for their sins. However, those who would pervert the gospel came in and persuaded these new believers that there are additional requirements of God which have been added to the grace given by belief in Jesus Christ. Paul strongly, with authority and principle declares, “let him be accursed” which means “a thing devoted to God without hope of being redeemed...a person or thing doomed to destruction, a curse, a man accursed, devoted to the direst of woes.” Let everyone, everywhere, know that the gospel preached by Paul to the Galatians is still relevant today, and the warnings of Paul continue for anyone who dares to alter the gift of God that lies within it.

Next time we see what Paul says about pleasing men or God, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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