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Are the Warnings Worth Repeating? Certainly!
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
How many times do you need to read it or hear it before you heed the announcement?
Repeated announcements may be annoying, but they do have value. The same goes for the repeated warnings you see 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 to neither listen nor believe him or even an angel from heaven if they preached “any other gospel” than what 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 remains 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 hear that? The truth sets men free (John 8.32).
Remember the words of 2 Peter 1.10: “Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble.”
