Galatians 1:8-9 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.… Strong words; to many, offensive words. The doctrine of "only one gospel" is not popular. Men are impatient of dogma, opposed to all exclusiveness in religion; they like to think there are many gospels, many avenues leading to salvation. The question, however, is, not whether the doctrine of "only one gospel" is popular, but whether it is true. There are various considerations which serve to prove its truth. I. THE NATURE AND CONDITION OF MAN. The nature of man is one Varying greatly in outward form and expression, but still essentially one. And as his nature is one, so is the moral disease under which it labours. Sin, although manifold in its modes of action, is essentially one in principle, it is the assertion of independence, rebellion against God's authority, the setting up of the human will in opposition to the Divine; and being thus one and the same disease, one and only one remedy is required to heal it. II. THE NATURE AND CHARACTER OF GOD. Oneness His essential attribute, and we should expect a manifestation of that quality in any scheme for the salvation of man emanating from God. III. THE EXPRESS TEACHING OF THE WORD OF GOD. One, and only one, plan of salvation is revealed in the Bible (Acts 4:12). 1. The terms of the one salvation are broad, in that they propose to us the entire Person and work of Christ as the basis upon which we may build. 2. They are narrow, in that they rigorously exclude every other scheme and means of salvation. It is really a question of supremacy. One must reign, either God or man. In claiming supremacy, God claims His right; man must submit, or perish. (Emilius Bayley, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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