But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
(Gal. 1:8 NKJV)

the gospel – the only means by which we gain access to the true grace of God

Christians are appalled that some abandon the Bible.  Even more shocking: in Galatia it was Christians who abandoned the gospel of Christ.

Paul expressed his shock in these words: “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). 

Why do some Christians turn away from the gospel?

1. Some are disbelievers.  A disbeliever is simply one who refuses to believe.  Judaizers had entered the churches of Galatia, persuading them to abandon the truth for the Law of Moses (Galatians 2; compare Acts 15:1).  Much of Paul’s epistle to the Galatians refutes this error and tries to restore the unbelievers. 
2. Some are dissatisfied.  Strangely, they do not appreciate the grace of God that teaches them how to be saved (Gal.5:4; Titus 2:11-12).    “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). 
3. Some are disgruntled.  This is nothing new.  Some of Jesus’ disciples quit following Him when they could not accept His teaching (John 6:60-66).   Some actually “wanted” a distorted gospel  (Galatians 1:7) – one that fit their unscriptural desires.    
4. Some are disobedient.  The gospel requires repentance which, in turn, requires a change of life.  “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has needs” (Ephesians 4:28).  Some are unwilling to change. 

There is only one gospel.  Turning away from it is eternally fatal.  No one – not even an angel – can pervert the gospel with impunity.  “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8-9). 

Let every Christian be thankful that he possesses the gospel – the only means by which we gain access to the true grace of God (1 Pt.5:12). 

-- Rick Duggin