If we add to the gospel, we lose the gospel. Even more specifically, when a person or a group of people add a work to the gospel, the unique nature of the gospel is removed. Paul states this as the offense, or the stumbling block, being removed. So what is this offense or stumbling block that makes the gospel unique? The true gospel as taught by the Apostle Paul is based solely on the finished work of Jesus Christ. The theology of the gospel in Scripture is by grace through faith and no works.

Adding anything to the finished work of Christ completely changes the nature and character of the gospel. Adding works does not add any advantage, and, in fact, adding works to God’s gospel is not mere subtraction. And adding any work does not merely diminish the character of the gospel but completely changes the gospel to what Paul calls a different gospel, a distortion of what God has stated, a human tweak to God’s theology which makes this gospel contrary to what God has offered.

We must first understand that the gospel as presented in Scripture is God’s idea, and his alone. God’s plan for saving humankind. Anything else is rooted in the false teaching which seeks the approval and pleasure of people.

Message Title: The Freedom of the Cross!

Message Text: Galatians 5:1-15