The apostle Paul’s gospel message was uncompromising in its clarity, focus, and truth. In Galatians 1:8, Paul delivered a striking warning: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!” (NASB). This verse explodes the idea that “anything goes” in matters of faith and salvation. Instead, it calls for strict adherence to the teachings Paul received directly from Christ (Galatians 1:11-12).
Paul’s gospel is not just one perspective among many; it is the singular, God-given plan for salvation. To deviate from it is to abandon the truth. In this article, we will explore the essential elements of Paul’s gospel, what he preached and what he did not preach, and why his teachings remain the standard for all Christians today.
Paul’s Gospel: What He Preached
- Unity Among Believers
Paul strongly emphasized the unity of the church. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, he wrote, “Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” The church is not a collection of fragmented groups but one body under Christ, united in faith and purpose (Ephesians 4:4-6). - The Carnality of Human Names
Paul discouraged elevating human leaders or creating factions based on personal preferences. In 1 Corinthians 3:4, he rebuked the Corinthians for saying, “‘I am of Paul,’ and another, ‘I am of Apollos’; are you not mere humans?” Such divisions are worldly and detract from the unity of the church. Paul’s focus was always on Christ, not on personalities. - Baptism is Essential
Baptism was a non-negotiable part of Paul’s gospel. He consistently taught that baptism is an essential act of faith and obedience in the process of salvation. In Galatians 3:27, Paul wrote, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Similarly, in Mark 16:16, Jesus proclaimed, “The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned.”Baptism signifies a commitment to Christ and an entrance into His kingdom. It is the moment when one is united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Paul also stressed its importance in salvation in passages like Acts 2:38, where Peter declared, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” - Baptism as a Burial with Christ
While baptism is essential for salvation, Paul also emphasized its deeper theological meaning: it symbolizes a burial and resurrection with Christ. In Romans 6:4, he wrote, “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.”Baptism is not simply a ritual; it represents the believer’s old self being put to death and a new life being born in Christ. Colossians 2:12 reinforces this: “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” This burial imagery makes it clear that baptism is a transformative act, where one’s identity is forever changed. - The Possibility of Falling Away
Paul taught that believers must remain vigilant in their faith. Galatians 5:4 warns, “You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by the Law; you have fallen from grace.” Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 10:12, he cautioned, “Therefore, let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall.” Paul rejected the idea of eternal security apart from perseverance in faith and obedience. - Christ as the Sole Mediator
Paul proclaimed that Christ alone is the mediator between God and humanity. In 1 Timothy 2:5, he wrote, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” No other person, tradition, or religious system can mediate our relationship with God. Paul’s gospel emphasizes that Christ’s sacrifice is fully sufficient for our salvation, and we need no additional intermediaries to approach the Father. Through Him, we have direct access to God’s grace and truth.
What Paul Did Not Preach
Equally important to understanding Paul’s gospel is recognizing what he did not teach. Paul warned in Galatians 1:8, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!” Here are key teachings that Paul explicitly rejected, supported by Scripture.
- “You Go to Your Church, I’ll Go to Mine”
Paul never endorsed the idea of denominationalism or “choose your own path” spirituality. Instead, he stressed the importance of unity among believers. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, he urged, “Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” For Paul, the church was not a collection of competing groups, but one body in Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6). Division over doctrine or practice runs contrary to the unity Christ intended. - “There’s Nothing in a Name”
Paul rejected the idea that names and identities don’t matter in the faith. In Philippians 2:9-10, he emphasized the exalted name of Jesus: “For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” Identifying with Christ’s name is essential, as it reflects our allegiance to Him alone. Diverting focus to human names or affiliations diminishes the honor due to Christ. - Baptism as Non-Essential
Paul never taught that baptism was optional or unnecessary. Instead, he emphasized its critical role in salvation. In Galatians 3:27, he wrote, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Similarly, in Romans 6:3-4, he explained that baptism unites believers with Christ’s death and resurrection: “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.” - The Impossibility of Falling Away
Paul did not support the idea of “once saved, always saved.” Instead, he consistently warned believers about the need to remain faithful. In Galatians 5:4, he cautioned, “You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by the Law; you have fallen from grace.” Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul revealed his own vigilance in faith: “But I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” These verses show that perseverance is essential and that believers must remain diligent in their walk with Christ. - Sprinkling, Pouring, or Other Forms of Baptism
Paul clearly taught that baptism is a burial, which requires immersion. In Romans 6:4, he wrote, “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death.” Similarly, in Colossians 2:12, he explained, “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” The imagery of burial and resurrection leaves no room for alternative forms of baptism such as sprinkling or pouring. Immersion symbolizes the believer’s death to sin and rising to new life in Christ. - Many Mediators
Paul rejected the idea that believers need multiple mediators to reach God. In 1 Timothy 2:5, he wrote, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” Paul taught that Christ’s sacrifice is fully sufficient for reconciliation with God. No human priest, religious leader, or other intermediary is needed. Through Christ, we have direct access to the Father, as Hebrews 4:16 affirms: “Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.”
Returning to Paul’s Gospel
Paul’s teachings set the standard for the church, and his warning in Galatians 1:8 remains as relevant today as it was in the first century. The church must resist the temptation to dilute or deviate from the gospel Paul preached. Instead, we must return to the New Testament as our guide and “speak as oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11).
Paul’s gospel is simple yet profound: unity in Christ, obedience through baptism, and unwavering faithfulness. It challenges us to reject human traditions and worldly divisions, focusing instead on the transformative power of the gospel.
Conclusion: Speaking as Oracles of God
The gospel Paul preached was not his own invention—it was revealed to him by Christ (Galatians 1:11-12). As followers of Jesus, we are called to hold fast to this truth and proclaim it boldly. Let us return to the simplicity and purity of Paul’s gospel, speaking only what God has revealed in His Word.
May we, like Paul, say with confidence, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). By doing so, we honor God and ensure that His message of salvation continues to shine in a world desperately in need of His grace.
The Simple Gospel 