… and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
Summary: Understanding the difference between the grace of Christ and a pseudo-gospel is important. Before we are done here, Paul will make sure that we know what he is talking about.
This passage is the end of a typically long Paul sentence. It is so long that we might have forgotten where it began, so let’s review the entire thought. Paul writes:
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1: 6-7)
How is living “in the grace of Christ” different than living under “no gospel at all?”
A good way of understanding what Paul is saying here is to look at this passage in the light of the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32). In this story, the younger son turns his back on his father and family, demands his inheritance early, and leaves home. After squandering his father’s wealth, he comes to his senses and returns home repentant.
In the story, the father sees him from afar, is filled with compassion, and runs to him, welcoming him home. The father clothes the boy and throws a party for him to celebrate. This is what it means to live “in the grace of Christ.”
If the story ended there, it would be a “happy ever after” ending. We leave the story knowing that father and son are reunited, and all is forgiven. But there is a dark note at the end of the parable. The older brother is not happy the younger brother has returned. Quite the opposite, he is resentful.
What if the older brother, in an effort to poison the mind of the younger brother, convinced him that he would only be able to stay home if he did everything the older brother told him? Imagine the older brother making varoius rules for the younger brother to follow. The younger brother eventually forgets his father and begins relying on keeping the rules in order to stay home.
Doesn’t that sound a bit like what Paul is describing? At first, the young brother and his father have an understanding. There is a bond of love between them. Then, the older brother perverts that understanding by adding a lot of rules for the younger brother to follow. Rules he can’t possibly keep.
Paul is rightfully touchy about the gospel of compassion and love being perverted by people with a dark agenda. Thank God that Paul was persistent about the truth.
Application: Trust in Jesus.
Food for Thought: In your opinion, how would the father would react to the hypothetical scenario presented here?
Being the parent of two boys I know how hard it is to resist the temptation of becoming a referee. Conflicts like “are we going to eat spaghetti or mac n’ cheese for dinner” fall under the authority as a parent, and the parent makes the decision without prejudice and in consideration of all factors including their children’s personalities. Sounds to me a lot like our Heavenly Father. But when it comes to matters of the heart, a parent cannot exercise authority over what their child feels. I have found I have to address each child individually and guide them to truth, understanding, and help turn them from a destructive path. Again, sounds to me a lot like our Heavenly Father. In times when I tried to counsel my sons as to the effects their words/action had on the other son, but the offending one could not be “put on the right path,” I found myself counseling the other in how to deal with it in a “healthy, loving way.” In some instances I have had to say to the offending son “we are not going to do this in my house.” I know I’ve made it sound very clinical, and it is never as straightforward as I have presented it.
Chris
Thanks for engaging with the question the way you did. Both “kids” are on the wrong path. I appreciate your thoughtful approach.
12-15-2023, In your opinion, how would the father react to the hypothetical scenario presented here?
John 16:8, He would convict both of sin, righteousness and judgment to come, allow each to choose accordingly and they would each stand before God regarding their choice.
Ron
God has a way of doing that! 🙂
Thanks!
I think the Father might respond to your hypothetical situation like Paul does to the Galatians. He wouldn’t be pleased with either position. But one difference between those in Galatians and the two sons, is that the two sons are indeed described as sons. And that could be an important distinction.
Rich
That is such an important point. We cannot overestimate the power of family.
In your opinion, how would the father would react to the hypothetical scenario presented here?
He would point out that neither one of them are right. That both are deserving of judgment in one way or another. Leading them to repenting of their sins and towards reconciliation.
Tim,
Conviction of the heart is a tool God uses to touch all of us, and I agree, the two sons are no exception.