One Gospel

Galatians 1:6-12 (NRSV) I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel - not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed! As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed! Am I now seeking human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ. For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.  "If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ."   Paul knew that the business he's been called to isn't one that is always going to make him popular.  After he left Galatia, the church was led astray by other teachings, most likely those of Jewish Christians who claimed the Galatians needed to still follow Mosaic Law. There's only one gospel, says Paul.  Then and today.  There are still a lot of quick fix gospel schemes out there, ones that focus not on the saving work of the cross, but instead on practices that will make our lives better, richer, faster, stronger...whatever it is we want to be more of. But we are already more, says Paul.  We are already "justified not by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ."  Getting circumcised isn't going to save you, says Paul.  Christ already did. And as my professor Dr. Timothy Wengert says, quoting his own professor, Dr. Gerhard Forde: "What are you going to do now that you don't have to do anything?"   The Gospel perhaps doesn't always win popularity contests because of its breadth and wideness.  The brokenness that is healed and forgiven in me is also forgiven in you. It's also forgiven in the neighbor you aren't especially fond of or the group of people that intimidate me.   The freedom of the gospel frees us to become the new creation God intends for us to be.  Without hesitation God claims us before we can decide.  Loves us before we love back.  Makes strong our weakness.  Uses our suffering as healing.   It's that simple.  It's that complex. Getting circumcised isn't going to save you.  Following the right steps or praying the right way isn't going to save you.  Worshiping the right way or singing the right hymns isn't going to save you. Christ already did. So, what are you going to do now that you don't have to do anything? Good and gracious God, you have made me.  You have claimed me and I am yours.  Let me never forget that claim or ever discount the claim you have made on my neighbor as well.  Help me to love them as fiercely as you love them.  Amen.