But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! Galatians 1:8 (NIV)
The main problem addressed by the gospel is bigger than finding peace, building confidence, overcoming fear, or finding fulfillment.
If our biggest problem was internal to us, then it might be possible for us to find an answer that came from a scientist, a psychologist, a chemist, or maybe even a theologian, a friend, or a spouse.
But the problem addressed by the gospel is that our planet is under the wrath of God. That’s why a message that was invented by a brilliant mind or handed down to us by tradition is of no use to us. It would leave us still under the curse and judgment of God. If Christianity were simply an invention or a tradition, there would be no hope for the human race. We would be cursed.
That’s the point of Paul’s strong language: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!” (1:8-9). Notice that Paul includes himself here. He says, in effect, “Even if I myself changed the message, I would be under a curse.”
If our problem is with God, only a gospel that is from God can help us. The reason the gospel is good news is that it is from Jesus Christ. It comes from the highest authority. That is why you can stake your life on it.
What would be the result if you (or someone else) changed the gospel message?
