The Perfect Gospel: Finding Peace in Jesus Alone
The Perfect Gospel: Finding Peace in Jesus Alone
In a world filled with conflicting messages and opinions, it can be challenging to discern what's true. This isn't a new problem—it's been happening since the beginning of time. The church in Galatia faced similar challenges when false teachers tried to add requirements to the gospel message. Today, we'll explore what makes the gospel perfect and why Jesus alone is enough.
What Is the True Gospel Message?
The gospel is the good news about Jesus Christ. In Greek, it's called "evangelion," which means "good news" or "good tidings." It's the essential message of Jesus described in various ways throughout Scripture—the gospel of God, of Jesus Christ, of the kingdom, of grace, of peace.
While these descriptions may vary, there is only one true gospel. It has no equal and no rival.
As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:1-6, the gospel is that:
This gospel is received by believers, defended by reason, and is a vital part of our experience as Christians. It's historical in content, biblical in meaning, and transforming in its effect on us.
Who Is the Gospel For?
The gospel is for everyone—literally everyone. It's for:
But we often forget that the gospel is also for believers—for Christians who have been saved for decades, for those who were saved yesterday, and even for those who think they've "heard it all before."
If we find ourselves numb or hardened to the gospel, perhaps the problem isn't the message but that we've stopped preaching it to ourselves. When was the last time you reminded yourself that Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, faced every temptation we face, and took the weight of our sin and shame?
The Source of the Gospel
In Galatians 1:1-5, Paul emphasizes that the source of the gospel is not human. It wasn't found in tradition or culture—it came straight from heaven. The gospel isn't just good news; it's perfect news from a perfect Father.
Jesus is what the priests, prophets, and kings of the Old Testament could not be:
Unlike the trick shots we see in videos where people try repeatedly until they get it right, there were no retakes with Jesus. The cross was once and for all—the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus doesn't have to be crucified again. We have been set free once and for all.
How Quickly We Shift Away from the Gospel
In Galatians 1:6-7, Paul expresses astonishment at how quickly the Galatians were deserting the true gospel for a different one—"which is really no gospel at all." The danger wasn't that they were outright rejecting Jesus, but that they were adding to Him.
We do the same today when we add to the gospel:
But Jesus clearly stated in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." There is no other way into heaven except through Jesus. He is enough—Jesus plus nothing equals everything.
Why Do We Need to Guard Against False Gospels?
False gospels spread quickly, like mold on strawberries. What starts as a small addition or subtraction can quickly contaminate everything if left unchecked. The gospel has the power to either soften or harden hearts—like boiling water that softens potatoes but hardens eggs. The same environment can produce different results depending on what's being affected.
How will we respond to the gospel? Will we be softened in surrender to Jesus, or hardened in pride?
The Seriousness of the Gospel
In Galatians 1:8-9, Paul emphasizes the seriousness of maintaining the true gospel: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse."
Each of us is leading people either toward Christ or away from Him through our actions, words, and treatment of others. There's an urgency to share the true gospel with the lost, hurt, and broken. Just as bank tellers recognize counterfeit money by knowing the real thing intimately, we need to know the true gospel so well that we can immediately recognize counterfeits. Are we studying the real thing? Are we diving into God's Word daily, or just getting by on Sunday messages?
Can We Outgrow the Gospel?
Many Christians mistakenly believe the gospel is just for unbelievers—just "entry-level stuff" that we move beyond after salvation. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Colossians 2:6-7 tells us: "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
We never outgrow the gospel. We never move beyond it. When our faith begins to flag, Hebrews 12:3 (MSG) encourages us to "go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility that he plowed through, and that will shoot adrenaline into your souls."
The Supremacy of the Gospel
Paul concludes his introduction to the Galatians with a powerful question in verse 10: "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings or of God, or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Paul wasn't seeking applause or human approval. His allegiance was to Christ alone. Like Paul, we must be willing to count everything as loss compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7-8).
Life Application
We must understand that Jesus is not only Savior but also Lord. Often, we focus on Jesus as Savior—the one who gives us a "ticket to heaven"—but forget that He is also Lord of our lives.
Grace doesn't just forgive us—it transforms us. The gospel doesn't just get us into heaven—it changes how we live now, in light of eternity.
The gospel itself doesn't change. It cannot be added to or taken away from. But it does change us. And Jesus is enough. He always has been, and He always will be.
Ask yourself these questions:
This week, take time to remind yourself of what Jesus has done for you. Thank Him for His sacrifice and for the salvation He freely gives. Remember that the gospel is not just for others—it's for you too, every single day.
In a world filled with conflicting messages and opinions, it can be challenging to discern what's true. This isn't a new problem—it's been happening since the beginning of time. The church in Galatia faced similar challenges when false teachers tried to add requirements to the gospel message. Today, we'll explore what makes the gospel perfect and why Jesus alone is enough.
What Is the True Gospel Message?
The gospel is the good news about Jesus Christ. In Greek, it's called "evangelion," which means "good news" or "good tidings." It's the essential message of Jesus described in various ways throughout Scripture—the gospel of God, of Jesus Christ, of the kingdom, of grace, of peace.
While these descriptions may vary, there is only one true gospel. It has no equal and no rival.
As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:1-6, the gospel is that:
- Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures
- He was buried
- He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures
- He appeared to many witnesses
This gospel is received by believers, defended by reason, and is a vital part of our experience as Christians. It's historical in content, biblical in meaning, and transforming in its effect on us.
Who Is the Gospel For?
The gospel is for everyone—literally everyone. It's for:
- The lost
- The broken
- The hurting
- The ashamed
But we often forget that the gospel is also for believers—for Christians who have been saved for decades, for those who were saved yesterday, and even for those who think they've "heard it all before."
If we find ourselves numb or hardened to the gospel, perhaps the problem isn't the message but that we've stopped preaching it to ourselves. When was the last time you reminded yourself that Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, faced every temptation we face, and took the weight of our sin and shame?
The Source of the Gospel
In Galatians 1:1-5, Paul emphasizes that the source of the gospel is not human. It wasn't found in tradition or culture—it came straight from heaven. The gospel isn't just good news; it's perfect news from a perfect Father.
Jesus is what the priests, prophets, and kings of the Old Testament could not be:
- The perfect priest who offered himself as the final sacrifice
- The perfect prophet who not only spoke God's word but was God's word in flesh
- The perfect king ruling in righteousness and truth
- The perfect son, obeying fully where Adam and Israel had failed
Unlike the trick shots we see in videos where people try repeatedly until they get it right, there were no retakes with Jesus. The cross was once and for all—the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus doesn't have to be crucified again. We have been set free once and for all.
How Quickly We Shift Away from the Gospel
In Galatians 1:6-7, Paul expresses astonishment at how quickly the Galatians were deserting the true gospel for a different one—"which is really no gospel at all." The danger wasn't that they were outright rejecting Jesus, but that they were adding to Him.
We do the same today when we add to the gospel:
- Legalism: Jesus plus all the rules
- Moralism: Jesus plus being good
- Prosperity: Jesus plus all the things
- Tolerance: Jesus plus "you have your truth, I have mine"
But Jesus clearly stated in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." There is no other way into heaven except through Jesus. He is enough—Jesus plus nothing equals everything.
Why Do We Need to Guard Against False Gospels?
False gospels spread quickly, like mold on strawberries. What starts as a small addition or subtraction can quickly contaminate everything if left unchecked. The gospel has the power to either soften or harden hearts—like boiling water that softens potatoes but hardens eggs. The same environment can produce different results depending on what's being affected.
How will we respond to the gospel? Will we be softened in surrender to Jesus, or hardened in pride?
The Seriousness of the Gospel
In Galatians 1:8-9, Paul emphasizes the seriousness of maintaining the true gospel: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse."
Each of us is leading people either toward Christ or away from Him through our actions, words, and treatment of others. There's an urgency to share the true gospel with the lost, hurt, and broken. Just as bank tellers recognize counterfeit money by knowing the real thing intimately, we need to know the true gospel so well that we can immediately recognize counterfeits. Are we studying the real thing? Are we diving into God's Word daily, or just getting by on Sunday messages?
Can We Outgrow the Gospel?
Many Christians mistakenly believe the gospel is just for unbelievers—just "entry-level stuff" that we move beyond after salvation. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Colossians 2:6-7 tells us: "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
We never outgrow the gospel. We never move beyond it. When our faith begins to flag, Hebrews 12:3 (MSG) encourages us to "go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility that he plowed through, and that will shoot adrenaline into your souls."
The Supremacy of the Gospel
Paul concludes his introduction to the Galatians with a powerful question in verse 10: "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings or of God, or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Paul wasn't seeking applause or human approval. His allegiance was to Christ alone. Like Paul, we must be willing to count everything as loss compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7-8).
Life Application
We must understand that Jesus is not only Savior but also Lord. Often, we focus on Jesus as Savior—the one who gives us a "ticket to heaven"—but forget that He is also Lord of our lives.
- Salvation is what Jesus does; Lord is who He is
- We like the idea of Jesus as Savior but may cringe at Him being Lord
- As Lord, Jesus directs every decision and step we take
Grace doesn't just forgive us—it transforms us. The gospel doesn't just get us into heaven—it changes how we live now, in light of eternity.
The gospel itself doesn't change. It cannot be added to or taken away from. But it does change us. And Jesus is enough. He always has been, and He always will be.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I know the gospel not just in my head but in my heart?
- Have I been living a "Jesus plus" lifestyle—adding my effort, performance, comfort, or possessions?
- When was the last time I preached the gospel to myself?
- Am I willing to lose everything to gain Christ?
- Do I recognize Jesus not just as my Savior but as the Lord of my life?
This week, take time to remind yourself of what Jesus has done for you. Thank Him for His sacrifice and for the salvation He freely gives. Remember that the gospel is not just for others—it's for you too, every single day.
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