A Battle for the Gospel

“Of the many that hear the report of the gospel there are few, very few, that believe it. It is reported openly and publicly, not whispered in a corner, or confined to the schools, but proclaimed to all; it is so faithful a saying, and so well worthy of all acceptance, that one would think it should be universally received and believed. But it is quite otherwise… To this day, of the many that profess to believe this report, there are few that cordially embrace it and submit to the power of it.” -Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 53

In every generation, there’s a battle for the Gospel--a battle between the true Gospel and false gospels, a battle for the Gospel to not just be believed but lived out. While we are not unfamiliar with war in our day and age, the fiercest and most “high-stake” war is that of the true nature of salvation. If we get the doctrine of salvation wrong, everything goes wrong. With eternal souls on the line, the stakes could never be higher!

Paul understood this, hence the stern, rebuking message that we find within the letter of Galatians:

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.” (Gal. 3:1)

Paul is basically saying, “You have heard that salvation is by faith in Christ alone, you heard it preached every Sunday, plastered on every wall! It was diligently and clearly taught to you; how could you get it all so wrong?!”

Paul knew that if the Galatian people got the Gospel wrong, the generational impact would be catastrophic.

With a heavy heart, a stern tone, and the love of Christ, Paul challenges the Galatians to return to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.