After such a wonderful
introduction to the churches in Galatia which included Paul's
authority given by God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
acknowledgment of his brethren, a greeting of grace and peace, and a
presentation of the gospel of Jesus, we might be waiting with bated
breath to see what Paul is going to share with these churches.
However when we read his words we quickly realize that Paul is
greatly concerned for the doctrine that is being believed by them. He
begins his discussion in chapter one and verse six where we read:
I marvel that ye are so
soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto
another gospel:
Paul is
amazed as he begins his words: “I marvel”. The word
“marvel” means to wonder, and as a father looking over his
children Paul wonders how these spiritual kids of his could be “so
soon removed from him that called.” After Paul had presented
the gospel of Jesus Christ, others moved in to change the very
doctrine he espoused. People called Judaizer's were prevalent in
those days, and their doctrine included obedience to the law in
addition to accepting Jesus Christ as Savior. Interestingly enough,
those who choose to come against the gospel of Jesus Christ usually
prey upon those within the churches to promote their teaching. Rather
than go to the world, their efforts are to persuade church members
that what they believe is inaccurate, and since most new believers
are unfamiliar with the holy scriptures, they are often convinced.
Satan himself is known to appear as an “angel of light”, and no
doubt he has his hand in these false teacher's efforts.
Paul's
marvel is that these within the churches of Galatia have left the
very God who called them, “removed from him that called you.”
It was God who called these believers in the first place, for no man
can come to the Father except the Spirit draw him, and still they
left the doctrines of God. How easily people have their beliefs
altered when false doctrine comes in. What has been established for
years may be changed by one teaching that twists the words of the
scriptures to appeal to human reasoning. Often these words are
accompanied by heighten emotional charge that seems to bring validity
to the doctrine, and when audiences sway with the feelings of the
moment, they alter not only their doctrine but also their cognitive
powers. Paul gently, yet directly, addresses the demagoguery of this
way.
Paul
adds, “into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:”. The
wonder of Paul's day was much like today. Why is it that people are
prone to believe teachings other than “the grace of Christ”
so easily? It seems that “unmerited favor” just doesn't
sound reasonable, and there seems to be a pressure to somehow earn
salvation. Rather than trust in the completed work of Jesus Christ
upon the cross for our sin nature, many think their good behavior
will get them into heaven. The “gospel” means “good news”. It
is good news that Jesus Christ has already paid for our sins. It is
good news that there is nothing more that needs to be done to
accomplish salvation. “It is finished” was the keynote phrase of
Jesus as He died upon the cross, and when He gave His last breath,
sin's price was paid. His substitutionary sacrifice for our sins was
complete, and nothing can be added to it. This is why Paul marveled
at these members of the churches of Galatia. How could they trade the
gospel of Christ for “another gospel”? Well, we shall have to
wait to our next verse to consider that question ourselves.
Next time we will discover
more about these troublemakers to the gospel of Jesus Christ, so read
ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is
more...
Look
for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites,
www.amazon.com
; www.barnesandnobles.com
; download
to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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