What is “Another Gospel?”
Many times in my writing I will refer to a false teaching as another gospel. By now, most of you also realize that this term is found in Galatians chapter 1:6-9. But the question is, what does this term mean? How should we define and apply it? And what are the consequences for those who preach or follow another gospel?
Last month we looked at a variety of other religions. We can first identify that religions such as Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, are not properly described by this term. Another gospel should be identified as a faith which claims to be true Christian faith, or poses as such, and is not. Most of the followers of another gospel are deceived; but many also intend to deceive. There is such a push for unity, that most false teachings are simply deliberately overlooked for what is perceived to be “the greater good.”
These last of the last days are identified well as the “age of self.” It has become the routine for nearly all mankind, on an individual basis, to shape and develop the spiritual “truths” they wish to live by; rather than simply receiving what God has to say with obedient submission. “…and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”—from James 1:21.
It is impossible that we believers should not have been affected by the corruption around us. The compromises can also sound very reasonable—but Satan is a liar. We need to be aware of his tactics, and surrender completely to Christ every day, in order to overcome the sinful nature of our flesh. Just look at the following description of mankind in the last days,
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. II Timothy 3:1-5
(Bold print and underlining added for emphasis)
The question we may really want to ask is, when do false beliefs go too far? When do they actually cause a separation of right relationship from God?
Of course, we should never stop learning. When we walk in the Spirit (Holy Spirit) toward perfection, our salvation is sure (Romans 8:1; Philippians 3:12-15). The point of danger comes when we dogmatically declare and teach false doctrines as truth. As long as we hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6), God is able to correct and guide us into the right direction. Unfortunately, man-made religion seldom accepts correction; even if it is given (which is rare)!
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. Proverbs 21:2
The book of Galatians gives us insight into the seriousness of following another gospel (Galatians 1:6). In brief, this letter was written to a church of new believers who were falling away from true faith; sliding back into religious works and traditions (especially influenced of the Jews). That the “other gospel” being spoken of is Judaism, can be clearly inferred from 2:3,11-14, 21, 3:2,10,13,23,24,28, 5:3,4,6. Each time the comparisons are between the Mosaic (Old Testament) law and faith, or circumcision and uncircumcision, or Jews and gentiles.
Since the term being studied is in Galatians, let us first look there to view the severity of this warning. Let’s start with the primary passage;
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. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:6-9
Verse 6 begins by observing that the Galatians are “removed from him (God)” because of another gospel. So even from the start, we can see that the false teachings/practices produce a separation from God (sin).
Verse 7 tells us that those introducing this “other” gospel are actually perverting the gospel of Christ.
Verse 8 provides a strong admonition to not listen to anyone, not even an angelic being; or even Paul, if he changed his tune—if they preach any gospel besides the one they have already received.
Verse 9, as well as 8, says that those who bring another gospel should be accursed. By definition they are detestable, and are to be doomed and ruined—but repentance on their part is still possible.
2:4: Warns that “false brethren” will try to bring believers again into bondage.
2:13: Observation that even Peter, with other Jews, dissembled; and that Barnabas was corrupted by it. To dissemble means to be a hypocrite, and conceal the truth.
2:14: Makes it plain that in their behavior, Peter and the others (verse 13) “walked not uprightly according to the truth.”
2:18: Another strict warning. For the Galatians, to not go back into the works type salvation they had been delivered from.
For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. Galatians 2:18
3:1: The Galatians are plainly disobeying the truth.
3:4: This warning shows that their faith may be in vain (empty, worthless), if they continue in this course.
4:11: Paul is seriously concerned that they have left their faith; souls are in jeopardy. Why else would Paul be “afraid,” if the Galatians were “eternally secure”?
4:20: Paul is again showing doubt of the Galatians being in right relationship with God.
5:1: God Himself is warning, through Paul, not to be entangled again (backsliding) with the yoke of bondage. Holding fast to every word of the truth must be very important!
5:4: By serving this “other gospel,” the Galatians are fallen from grace (no longer saved).
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. Galatians 5:4
5:7: In turning to another gospel, they are being disobedient.
5:12: A wish for ill-will toward the trouble makers causing these problems? Apparently so! We should never take sin lightly, or entertain the notions of it—we must “cut it off” quickly, and fully separate from those who support it.
Today it is popular to simply accept those who profess to be Christian as Christian; even if parts of their beliefs contradict or deny the holy scriptures. We rationalize that these people are O.K.—and tell ourselves that their disagreements with the Bible are insignificant in regards to their salvation. We may only be aware of one or two areas in which they see things differently.
My experience is that this does not happen. When one begins to compromise God’s Word, it is never just a couple things! That is why the Bible says that “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump,” and that we must “put away” from the church (body of Christ) that wicked person (see I Corinthians 5). Luke 16:10 says that “he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” There are no small compromises; and one evil always leads to more.
As we can then see in Galatians, our God does not approve of deviating from His Word in even “small” ways—these are serious matters, with serious consequences. But what about the rest of the Bible? Does God echo these warnings, or was it only for the Galatians? Many make the unfortunate mistake of relativizing scripture—which is really just rationalizing disobedience. To relativize scripture is to say that it does not apply today—that it was meant only for a certain people, at a certain place and time. Believers must let the holy scriptures tell us what is, or is not relevant. God’s Word has been given by the Holy Ghost; and we dare not put ourselves in God’s place by adding to the Word in attempting to explain it. Every part of God’s Word may be used and applied today, unless the Word itself (Jesus) clearly shows us otherwise.
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 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. II Peter 1:20,21
So let us now examine other passages which give us warning concerning another gospel, even if that exact term isn’t used.
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17
We see here the importance of doctrine; and the clear instruction to avoid those of contrary doctrine. There is no stipulation about the size of the contradiction!
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness…Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. II Thessalonians 2:10-12…15
These verses reflect the danger in “receiving not the love of the truth” and for those “who believed not the truth.” They are perishing, and will be damned. To avoid such circumstance, verse 15 tells us to hold on to the traditions which we have been taught either by word or epistle (written-doctrine). In truth, even all the words we hear must be supported within God’s Word for us to abide in them. In these letters, Paul did not write all of the exact same instruction to each individual group of believers; yet they were all God’s Words through him. This explains what is meant by holding fast to traditions taught by Word (of mouth); that the Thessalonians should also hold onto truths directly taught to other believers (Ephesians, Galatians), even if those same words weren’t directly written to them.
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. I Thessalonians 2:13
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. I Timothy 6:3-5
Verse 3 describes those not consenting to wholesome words, as those not agreeing with or teaching the words of Jesus Christ and doctrine. Such men are “destitute of truth,” and believers must withdraw from them.
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:13-17
We are warned that in the last days evil men will keep growing worse, and that their deceptions will multiply. We can keep ourselves from this by continuing in what we have learned; depending on the holy scriptures for wisdom unto salvation, through faith in Christ. You can see that the objective of God’s Word is that we may be perfect; God is not accepting of diverse doctrines which fall short of this perfection (Matthew 5:48).
A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. Titus 3:10,11
Not much leeway for hereticks, is there? A heretick is one who opposes/contradicts the accepted beliefs by doctrine. Verse 11 shows that such a one is condemned.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? I Peter 4:17,18
Here is referenced the need to obey the gospel of God; how would this be known, unless it were founded in writing? Without the written gospel, all we would have are the thoughts and opinions of men. And even with our obedience, the righteous scarcely are saved! This is why we must cling to every truth of God, without adding or diminishing even one tiny bit.
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction…These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. II Peter 2:1…17-20
This passage (really, all of chapter 2) references spiritual deception creeping in amongst believers. The false teachings thus introduced can rightly be called “another gospel.” We should view the end result of this with somberness; that in following these lies, there will be a sure falling back into sin. God warned us of this through Peter, nearly 2,000 years ago.
These are only some of the passages that warn of spiritual deception, and speak of right doctrine. You will find more in other areas of this website, but I would encourage you to seek the Lord directly for more revelation on this—allowing Him to open up His Word to you in truth.
(See also II Corinthians 11:3,4,13-15; Ephesians 4:5,14; Colossians 1:21…23; II Thessalonians 1:6-8, 3:6,14; I Timothy 1:18-20, 4:1-6,16; II Timothy 2:15-18, 4:2-4; Titus 2:1
In I Samuel 15, King Saul is commissioned by God (through Samuel) to destroy Amalek, and all that pertained to him. This judgment was serious to the Lord; so much so, that it was given prophetically many hundreds of years before, through Moses (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).
It is true that Saul disobeyed the Lord, but he did it religiously. He rationalized that God would be more pleased with the ceremonial sacrifice of the best cattle, than with their destruction. Saul therefore departed from the Lord by creating and serving another gospel. And such it is today—there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). With mankind in general, each is following what is right in their own eyes; we were also warned of this, thousands of years ago.
Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes. Deuteronomy 12:8
The church of Ephesus is also an example, from Revelation chapter 2. Just look at the compliments Jesus gives to them;
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Revelation 2:2-3
That is really very good! But is it enough? Apparently not…
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Revelation 2:4,5
The Ephesians are warned to repent; returning to their first love. It would seem that this group also became caught up in “right works,” but the heart condition was lacking. Sounds a lot like the Galatians, doesn’t it? Here again, what looks like a small variation from God’s true course, threatens to bring eternal consequences.
There is a private “Christian” school in our area that I have had some close affiliation with. I had an opportunity to walk the halls, viewing things that were being displayed for all that pass by. On a bulletin board it was asked (apparently for students), what would Jesus do? Yes, this is that W.W.J.D. that was popular a few years back! The W.W.J.D. phenomenon is not Christian in origin, but new age. This is not a view of Christ as God’s Son, but rather of Jesus as an ideal human being.
The message on the board indicated that you should ask yourself questions to determine W.W.J.D. Two of these were; 1) Is it kind? 2) Is it necessary? Questions like these paint an incorrect picture of our Lord Jesus Christ, and clearly (by inference) deny God’s Word! Many times Jesus did what others would consider to be “unkind” or “unnecessary.” Therefore this school, via its message board, is teaching another gospel. It may be one thing to encourage such behavior for younger children; but it crosses the line when ascribing it to be “Christ-like” behavior. Jesus himself says that He rebukes and chastens those that He loves (Revelation 3:19)! Today, most people would say that this isn’t kind—or necessary.
We need every word that God has for us. This takes time and study, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It is certainly possible to be mistaken about various things as we grow in the Lord; but to dogmatically proclaim what is clearly not within God’s Word, is another gospel. It is teaching for doctrines the “commandments of men.” Such hypocrisy plainly separates us from a right relationship with God (Matthew 15:7-9).
May the Lord bless you in applying these truths—I know that He will, for He has given His Word on it!
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:10,11