Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Galatians 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel -- which is really no gospel at all.
HOLD FIRMLY TO THE TRUE GOSPEL
The Galatian churches were located in what today is south-central Turkey and were likely founded through Paul's mission efforts. What happened in time is that these Christians wavered in their beliefs. They turned to a gospel which said: "To be saved you must observe Old Testament ceremonial laws" (don't eat pork products, don't do work on Saturday, etc.).
Through these verses Jesus again alerts us to the danger of turning to a different gospel. We may not be tempted to think we're better Christians if we refrain from ordering bacon biscuits at McDonald's or from working on Saturday. But we might be tempted to believe that to be sure of God's love we must perform the work of attending church, or that if I act good and do good then God will accept me. What is this, friend, but measuring your worth in His eyes by your own track record instead of what Jesus has done in your behalf?
When the Betty Crocker Company first came out with cake mixes, all the cook had to do was add water. The company found that the mix didn't sell. Market research revealed that people want to be involved in producing the cake. When the recipe was changed, requiring customers to add an egg, the product took off like wildfire. Satan whispers: "You must do something to bake the cake of salvation. It's too easy when someone says all you need do is believe. Why not add an egg or two of your efforts to the mix?" What Satan forgets to mention is that the cake of salvation the sinner bakes always turns out to be a flop. It gives stomach aches when sins trouble the conscience and the hour of death draws nigh.
Then hold firmly to your Gospel treasure. In answer to the question "What must I do to be saved?" answer with joy-filled faith: "I will look to Jesus' cross and empty tomb and there see my salvation complete and my sin forgiven."
