Galatians 1:6-9 False Teaching

I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

Through the ages, the pure message of the Gospel has been contorted and perverted to serve the purposes of false teachers.

In Galatia, there were Jewish Christians teaching that they must follow the law in order to be saved. Oddly enough, in spite of Paul's scathing denunciation of legalism in the book of Galatians, some form of legalism has persisted in the church.

Strict adherence to church rules has become mandatory for membership in many churches, performing penance for forgiveness of sins - contrary to the grace of God. Adopting a moral code based on the prejudices of a prominent church leader.

Bizarrely, some modern churches have a strict form of legalism in their rituals, then endorse outright sexual perversion in the pulpits. They are those of whom Jesus said, “You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!" [Matthew 23:24 NASB]

Cults and false religions have been founded over the years, almost always by a single "prophet" who has received a fresh revelation apart from the Scriptures. Or if they don't claim an extra-biblical revelation, they re-translate the Bible to say what they need it to say to uphold their claims.

Be warned. If you follow a religion or ministry built on the personality of its leader instead of the message of the Gospel of Christ, you will be following your blind guide right off the edge of a cliff.

The message of the Gospel is simple. Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins. On the third day He rose again. He was seen by many witnesses for 40 days, and then ascended to be with God the Father, where He lives today. One day, He will return to establish His kingdom on earth.

The word "gospel" means "good news". The good news for us is that Jesus paid all the penance for all of our sins, and, by His grace, freely offers salvation to anyone who will believe.

Anyone who preaches a "gospel" contrary to what is in the Bible is cursed by God. Do not follow them. Any preacher who never preaches the Gospel, but builds a ministry around a message of prosperity or social responsibility is to be suspect. These messages often have the appearance of wisdom, but deny the power of Christ.

This is why it is so important to read and study the Bible. Let the word of God be an armor for your mind. When you hear teaching that is contrary to scripture, you should recognize it for what it is, and reject it. If you are unsure, then go back to the Bible and study the matter. With modern Bible apps and online tools, word and subject studies are easier than ever before.

I pray that the Spirit of God will guide us all into all truth.