Galatians 1: The True Gospel vs. False Gospel—Are You Being Deceived?
- Amy Diane Ross
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.” – Galatians 1:6-7
False gospels have been creeping into the church since the very beginning, and Paul’s letter to the Galatians is one of the most urgent warnings in the Bible against them.
In Galatians 1, Paul rebukes the Galatian churches for abandoning the true gospel of grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and turning to man-made religion.
Today, we face the same battle. Are we truly following the gospel of Jesus Christ? Or have we unknowingly embraced a distorted version?
Let’s dive into Galatians 1 and uncover Paul’s powerful message.
Why Paul Wrote Galatians—A Letter of Urgency
Paul wrote this letter to the churches he had planted in Galatia (modern-day Turkey). After he left, false teachers, known as Judaizers, came in, telling the new believers they needed to follow Jewish laws to be genuinely saved.
This deeply angered Paul because it distorted the gospel and put believers back into bondage.
Any gospel that adds works to faith in Christ is a false gospel.
Paul’s message was clear: Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
The Power of Galatians in Church History
Galatians was the book that sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Martin Luther was a devoted monk who tried everything to please God—fasting, self-punishment, rituals—but never felt peace. Then he read Galatians and realized:
“The righteous shall live by faith.” – Galatians 3:11, Romans 1:17
This revelation led him to boldly declare that salvation is by faith, not works, and it changed church history forever.
The same truth still applies today. No amount of religion, traditions, or good works can save you—only faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul’s Warning: Beware of False Gospels
Paul was shocked at how quickly the Galatians were turning to a false gospel:
“Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” – Galatians 1:8
Even if an angel appears with a new message, it is false if it contradicts the Bible.
This applies today. Many false religions, cults, and movements claim new revelations, but Paul makes it clear that the gospel does not change.
How the Enemy Distorts the Gospel Today
The enemy has two main strategies when it comes to distorting the gospel:
Legalism—Teaching that we must earn salvation through good works, rules, or religious rituals.
Hyper-Grace—teaching that grace means you can live however you want without repentance.
Both are deadly distortions of the gospel.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is neither a law-based religion nor a license to sin. It is a life-transforming relationship with Jesus that leads to true freedom.
Paul’s Authority and The True Gospel
The Judaizers tried to discredit Paul to undermine his message. In response, Paul defends his apostleship and proves he received the gospel directly from Jesus:
“I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” – Galatians 1:11-12
This is why we can trust his message. Paul wasn’t teaching man-made religion—he was preaching the very words of Jesus.
The Transforming Power of the Gospel
Paul himself was a violent persecutor of Christians. He was present at Stephen’s martyrdom and dedicated his life to destroying the church.
Then, he met Jesus.
His life was radically transformed.
“He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” – Galatians 1:23
True salvation brings transformation; when you meet Jesus, your life changes.
Have you experienced that kind of transformation?
Are You Following the True Gospel?
Paul ends Galatians 1 with a powerful challenge:
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings or God? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10
The true gospel will not always be popular. The world will hate it. But we must stand firm in the truth.
Stand Firm in the True Gospel
The gospel is simple:
Grace alone
Faith alone
In Christ alone
For the glory of God alone
Do not be deceived by false gospels.
If you’ve been relying on religion, rules, traditions, or self-righteousness—let it go. Put your faith entirely in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is enough.
Are you standing firm in the true gospel? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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