Galatians 1: The Gospel in the letters of Paul

We are beginning a series called The Gospel in the Letters of Paul. This chapter couldn’t kick this one off more drama. Paul wishes the eternal experience of hell upon the person who would pervert the gospel—including himself. Paul couldn’t use language that was any stronger. Paul basically said, even if someone like Peter came and preached another gospel, bring on hell.

The truth of the gospel was that important. Paul gives us a small, though complete enough explanation of what his gospel is in verse three and four, “…the Lord Jesus Christ who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of God, the Father.”

This is the gospel in its kernel form. The truth of Jesus’ voluntary atonement for our sins has implications beyond the imaginations of all theologians. It is this kernel that Paul defends because if it is lost, the church is lost. The truth of the gospel is more important than any person. It is the lifeblood of the church.

Over the next six weeks, we will have the opportunity to learn more about this gospel. Our series will run six weeks as we read Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians before returning to finish this series with Romans. Let me encourage you to ask questions of your reading such as: What is the gospel in Paul’s words? What difference does it make in a life? How do good works fit in? What should a believer’s experience of grace be? How does the Holy Spirit work in the life of a believer?

As you find your answers to these questions, I encourage you to chime in through our comments on the blog and allow others to benefit from your learning.
Posted by Marc