GRACE: NOT BY MAN

The Gospel; Not After Man – Galations 1:10-12

The gospel of Jesus Christ is like no other message.  The  word “Gospel” itself maintains that it is a message of good news.  It also tells us with great assurance, and the power of God that it is the only means by which we can be saved; delivered from sin, and its condemnation.

Verse 10 – The apostle was evidently being accused of preaching to please people.  That accusation cannot hold up, however, because the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ does cause division in the minds of human kind.  The fact of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the message that there is only one exclusive way of entering the presence of God, and His glory forever.  After all if Christ died for the sins of the world, then where does that leave Buddha, Har’e Krishna, Mohammed, and many others who are without Jesus Christ?

There is the possiblility that the accusers may have been thinking of his former condition in Judaism; and that he turned from persecuting the Christian; to conforming with the people.

The question could be asked, “Is it right for Paul to defend himself and the gospel?”, and the answer would be “Yes!”  The accusers bringing the accusations if allowed to continue without rebuke would weaken the message the apostle was preaching.  Paul’s concern was not for himself, but the people.  The shepherd must also defend the sheep.

Paul’s word was, “If I please men, I am not the servant of Christ”.

Verse 11 –  The gospel of Jesus Christ cannot be from the heart and/or mind of man.  If it were it would be like all other religions; full of works oriented salvation, man’s prideful righteousness, and the deception of Satan.

Paul strongly argues and defends that this saving message of the cross of Christ – God’s grace – does not follow the pattern of man’s thinking.

Verse 12 –  Our own personal salvation does not come from what others may tell us, or teach us.  Those things may have an impact on us coming to Christ in faith and receiving His grace; but they cannot save us.  We are saved only when Jesus Christ Himself convinces us of who He truly is, and we believe Him.

In Matthew 16:17 Jesus says to Peter, “Blessed art thou Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven.”  When the Father reveals the Son to you then you will believe and be saved.  That happens solely by the grace of God.

-Tim A. Blankenship