Resources/Articles
Repeat the Warnings
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel.
Galatians 1:6
“Caution, the moving walkway is ending. Caution, the moving walkway is ending.” Those are the words you will hear if you ever use an automated walkway at an airport. This announcement is repeated for a traveler’s safety and to protect the airport from liability if someone were to be injured.
Announcements like the one above may be annoying, but they do have value. Just like the ones you see repeated in Scripture. Paul’s warning in Galatians 1:6 was so vital it involved eternal ramifications. It was stated in v. 8 and repeated in v. 9. This warning was not a matter of tripping at the end of a walkway. Paul was warning them not to listen to, nor believe, him or an angel from heaven if they preached “any other gospel” than the one they had already heard (1:8). It was a warning worth repeating. God wanted this message to echo loud and clear in their minds. The reason: the Galatians had begun to believe their salvation was dependent on the good works of the law and not by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:1-5).
There was not another gospel or doctrine to share with others besides the gospel of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. This was the only story we have the privilege and responsibility to share. There was no other solution to the problem of sin. Jesus was, is, and will always be the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). There was, is, and will always be no other name on earth given among men whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Amazingly, this warning, although first stated over 1,950 years ago, still needs to be proclaimed. With every generation, man is coming up with “another gospel.” Redemption has been sought through feelings, traditions, and other personal preferences. These ways do not offer what the only gospel has already provided. Only one road leads to heaven, and Jesus is the way. There is no imagination of man which excels the greatest plan of redemption already in place.
People may be annoyed by all these warnings (Matthew 15:8,9; 2 John 9-11; Revelation 22:18,19), but they are worth repeating. In 2 Peter 1:12-15, Peter wanted to remind his hearers of something they had already heard. The message never ages. It is always relevant. The cautions are visible and strong. The consequences remain the same. These spiritual truths need as much repetition as an advertisement for cereal, cars, or toothpaste. The more you hear it, the more you understand this is what needs your attention. You need this message. God knows if you hear the gospel repeated, truth will be established within you (v. 12). No other message, no matter how many times it is repeated, provides what the one gospel does. The truth sets men free. Did you heart that? The truth sets men free (John 8:32).
