Galatians 1:7-10 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. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
‘Pervert’ – Going back under the law and substituting it for the gospel is perverting the gospel of Christ (5:4).
‘Gospel of Christ’ – How the Gospel is referred to in Galatians: As the grace of Christ (1:8); a revelation (1:11-12); being not of or from man (1:11); that which justifies (2:16); giving the Spirit (3:2); working miracles (3:5); redeeming from the curse of the law (3:13); being of faith (3:22-25); redeeming those under the law (3:13); making us sons, not servants (1:4); bringing liberty (1:4; 5:1, 13); giving the new birth (4:21-31); abolishing circumcision (5:2); cancelling the law (5:18); the law of Christ (6:2).
‘Preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.’ The gospel had not only been preached to them, but they had received it and its benefits. Therefore, any removal from grace (1:6) or fall from grace (5:4) was backsliding from the gospel.
Eight outstanding doctrines taught in Galatians: Christians can fall from grace and be removed from Christ (1:6-8; 2:21; 3:1-5; 4:8-11, 19; 5:4, 19-21; 6:1-8). Paul’s gospel was a revelation from God (1:11 – 2:14). Justification is by faith alone without law works (2:15-3:29). Christians can live victoriously over sin (2:20 – 3:5; 5:16-6:8). The Spirit is for all believers (3:1-5, 13-14). The law of Moses is completely abolished (3:10-29; 4:21-31; 5:1). Backsliders must be reborn and return to grace (1:6-8; 2:17-21; 3:1-5, 10-12; 4:19; 5:1, 4, 7, 5:16-26; 6:1-8). All who go back to keeping the law are under obligation to observe the whole law or be cursed (3:1-5, 10-12; 4:21 – 5:4).
Living the Word 