Another Gospel

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians and warned them of the dangers of another gospel. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 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.” Galatians 1:6-8. Today there are other gospels being preached and many people are being deceived by them. Gospel means good news and there are many voices today that purport to preach good news, but they bring only deception.

The gospel of humanism is one example of a false gospel. This doctrine says that we are products of evolution and that we are constantly evolving into something higher. It is the worship of humanity as opposed to the worship of God. People are told to look into themselves and draw from an inner strength and become great. Eve had this desire in the garden when the devil tempted her to eat the fruit. He said, “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:5. The true Gospel says that we shall be as gods, but only if we are under the controlling influence of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13.

Another false gospel teaches that human beings will one day build a wonderful world of peace where everyone will be fed and clothed and enjoy prosperity by means of modern science and technology. People who preach that gospel believe that mankind has achieved marvelous things through science and will one day cure all illnesses and increase the human life span so that people will live long and happy lives in a peaceful world of advanced technology. In contrast to this, Jesus Christ told people, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15. The false gospels do not allow for repentance from sin. The true Gospel promises great and wonderful things in the Kingdom of God, but only under the ruler-ship of Jesus Christ. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” I Corinthians 2:9.

Another false gospel teaches that all religions are ways to God and we should join with them in worshiping God as an expression of love and acceptance of them. In contrast to this, Jesus told us to love other people but not to accept their religions. He said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44. However, He also said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6. Only through Jesus Christ can we come to know God.

The apostle Paul rebuked the Galatians for trusting in another gospel. There were Jews who said the Christian men had to be circumcised; they were teaching that their salvation depended on keeping the law. If our salvation depended on keeping the law then we would all be doomed because if we make one false statement or if we entertain one sinful thought we have broken the law. We keep the law to the best of our ability because we love God but we constantly fail and the only thing that keeps us justified before God is the blood of Jesus Christ. The false gospels do not recognize the blood of Jesus Christ as the means of salvation. They teach that we can be accepted by God through doing good works. Jesus told us the work that we must do: “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” John 6:29. Every false gospel ignores Jesus Christ, but we proclaim Him as Lord of all.