Sep 19, 2012

First page of my book on the gospel

I decided to write a book this summer, but found myself on graveyard shift and in an interview process for a new job. I got a lot of research and outlining done, but I only finished writing one page of the book itself! I'd really appreciate some feedback in the comments on this one.
I won't reveal the book or chapter title, but here's the first page:
--------------
-->
When the Apostle Paul travelled from place to place he proclaimed the gospel. Where there was a response he established a church. Where there were problems he stayed longer, returned, or wrote to them. One such church was having a serious problem. This was the problem of getting the gospel wrong. Paul addressed this problem by writing his letter to the Galatians. This was one of the first letters, if not the first letter, Paul wrote.
Think about that. This was one of the firstwritings of the New Testament and alreadythe understanding of the gospel was in jeopardy. If theycould get it wrong then certainly we can get it wrong. It is no wonder that this letter was kept, copied, and circulated, eventually being accepted into the Bible we have today. Here Paul writes, bringing attention to their confusion about the gospel:

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 angelfrom 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!“ (Gal 1:6-9 NRSV)

There is a lot we can learn from this simple looking text. Paul is surprised because he clearly told them what the gospel is and explained it properly. The Galatian church turned to another gospel quickly and he had to remind them what it actually was. The problem was caused by some who were changing the gospel which brought confusion because it was different from what they heard from Paul. The confusion about what the gospel is comes from someone either adding to or subtracting from it.
Paul is so certain that the real gospel has been given he says someone who presents another gospel should be accursed. Anathema. Eternally condemned. Going to hell. This list potential 'someones' includes: himself; his companions; angels; anyone. Significantly, when he says that they turned toanother gospel Paul does not say that it was the gospel that they turned from. That is implied, but what he actually says is that they turned away from God himself; The God who called them to the gospel about Jesus in the grace of Jesus. The harsh words of letting those proclaiming 'another gospel' be condemned is a natural consequence when we understand it means they are leading people away from God altogether.
-------------
I'm concerned that it's a little boring or dry.
What do you think?

No comments:

Post a Comment