Are You Falling For a New Counterfeit Gospel?
A follower of Jesus (and an Apostle) by the name of Paul wrote the following to a church (Galatia) sometime in the mid-first century:
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:6-7)
We can derive 3 things from Paul’s words:
The message of Jesus is the only true good news (gospel).
Christians can turn toward a “different gospel” (which isn’t a real “gospel”)
This turning away can occur rapidly.
For the Christians at Galatia, this “different gospel” was a combination of Jesus’ work on the cross and our efforts through the Law (good morality) as opposed to the true gospel of being made right with God by the work of Jesus and Jesus alone.
Paul would describe this turning away as a “bewitching” (Galatians 3:1).
In this post, I want to share 4 versions of “different gospels” that I believe followers of Jesus ought to be aware of in our current moment. I describe each and give its effects of “potential bewitching.”
1. The “Gospel” of Politics
Politics is a reality of life that invites the Christian’s civic duty. We should cast votes, serve our cities, and pray for our leaders (and all with sincerity).
It is a different thing, however when we begin to see Jesus through the lens of politics and begin to think of our political party’s will on earth, rather than “on earth as it is in heaven.”
Potential signs of bewitching:
You find yourself belittling Christians who hold to other political preferences.
You think pastors who speak on politics are “more faithful” than others or think your pastor is a coward for not being politically vocal.
You find the culture wars amusing and are unaware of your addiction to cultural outrage.
You celebrate a human in office more than Jesus on the throne.
2. The “Gospel” of Productivity
Productivity is a gift from God and is embedded into the framework of creation before the fall (Gen 1:26). The Lord commanded Adam to work the garden. The garden was also teeming with natural resources intentionally placed by God for man to unleash for good (Gen 2:10-14).
But there is a big difference between being productive versus finding your worth in your productivity. It is entirely possible to proclaim the name of Jesus while functioning and believing in justification by productivity alone.
Potential signs of bewitching:
You lose all joy when you don’t get the tasks you had hoped to get done.
You find your worth and value more in your contributions than what God has to say about you.
You look down on those who don’t seem as efficient and proficient as you.
Your interactions are often calculated, transactional, and efficient.
3. The “Gospel” of Mental Health
I spoke with someone just a few days ago who was wrestling with deep anxiety. Mental health is a real concern because the Christian life is holistic. If you “invite Jesus into your heart” you also invite him into your wallet, your browser history, and your inner life. Jesus deeply cares about our mental well-being.
I believe a much-needed correction has happened in the thinking of the church at large about issues of anxiety, depression, and so forth. I also believe an over-correction can happen when our mental health becomes the primary grid for how we understand our relationship with God and our spiritual growth.
Potential signs of bewitching:
Your mental health becomes the predominant way through which you understand your identity and relationship with God.
Mental health terms begin to replace Biblical words. You begin to suspect Biblical words may have toxic and abusive qualities.
Your therapist is a greater authority in your life than a local church pastor.
You look down on people who don’t have a therapist or know the things you know about the therapy world
4. The “Gospel” of Radical Individualism
God loves the individual. King David said he was “wonderfully and fearfully made.” Individualism is not a bad thing in itself.
Radical individualism occurs when we begin to place ourselves at the center of our lived narrative and believe everything else ought to revolve around us. We believe God’s greatest desire for us is the expression of our individualism and the pursuit of our greatest desires.
Potential signs of bewitching:
You are not in a community that deeply knows you. You find the local church to be optional.
You believe your opinions and desires should not be challenged and are offended when you are.
You believe a deep undercurrent of constant happiness ought to be the experience of your life
Suffering does not fit in your worldview of Christianity.
Conclusion
The “gospel” I am most prone to believe is the one regarding productivity. I can so easily believe that I am made righteous by my literal works of productivity.
So what’s the cure? What’s the solution should we find our hearts drifting towards a different gospel?
First, we must look downstream and see the inability of these “gospels” to deliver on their promises. I have rarely found genuine peace because I got one more task done. Instead, I have found that finishing work presents more work. This “gospel” has lied to me since day one.
Second, we must look up and see the glorious work of Jesus by faith in what He has done on the cross. He has accomplished it all. He has finished and produced the salvation I desperately need.
As I remember the true good news and take time to soak it in, I begin to re-believe that which I have already believed.
Let’s be watchful of a “different gospel” and treasure the real one.
