THE GOSPEL AND ITS KEEPERS

I have always wondered, with great reverence, why the sacred message-the gospel-has been committed to us weak and feeble men (of course women too). The message of the Kingdom has been handed over to us by Christ to be passed on to generations. As much as this is remarkable, it brings with it a great amount of responsibility.

The call to communicate the efficacy of the Gospel, in whatever form, is sacred. It is perhaps scary considering the enormity of such responsibility.

A careful reading through the book of Galatians 1:6-10 would reveal that the Gospel was under attack by a group of ‘inside men’. This assault says a lot about what responsibility is placed on us to stand watch with earnestness.

          So here, we see Paul expressing his disgust in no uncertain terms at some ‘teachers’. These teachers had surreptitiously crept into an unknowing congregation, distorting the gospel. These teachers had turned the Gospel on its head. They were insiders. It was the same Gospel that was taught; only that they had twisted and transformed it to suit an agenda.

Eventually, Paul responds unequivocally. His tone is a little stronger. His remark is fierce: “But if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed”.( v.8)

            There was a lot at stake. Certainly not the reputation of some high class, eloquent and vociferous teachers/preachers, nor the interest of Paul himself. The Gospel of Christ is at stake. These events, some long years ago, says a lot about the responsibility we all share.

There is the errant idea that some men of ‘high’ standing with God are inerrant. That could not be more false. It is the Gospel that is inerrant; the men who handle it are. Anyone who distorts God’s message of grace incurs God’s judgement irrespective of class, success or influence. I do not in any way invalidate the grace and calling on ministers of the Gospel. I am saying that their reputation pails when placed side by side with the inerrancy of the Gospel. Everyone in this must thread with great caution as to the administration of this solemn task-dispensing the beauty of the Kingdom.

            My reputation, as well as theirs is inconsequential when the Gospel is as stake. It calls you and I to faithfulness and caution.