Distracted By The Little “g” Gospel

“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. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-8, ESV)

I owe you an explanation. I had fully intended to write the second post in a series about the Names of God. I have some good material that I have been researching, and I’m excited to share what I am learning with you. But…I got distracted. Please be patient with me as I address my distraction. I will likely have more to say on this topic at a later date. But for now I need to begin to follow this rabbit trail for my own sanity. I will continue with the Names of God next week.

I am also late. Mea culpa.

Have you ever had a friend that you thought you knew well, only to be floored when they reveal that in some area of his or her life they are not at all who you thought? In the last week I have had two such experiences from two very different people Both of them are following a different gospel.

I’ve been looking at what passes for the Gospel, more these days than ever. The little “g” gospel. It’s what looks good, sounds good and feels good. It offends no one.

Except Jesus.

The little “g” gospel to which I am referring is often called “Progressive Christianity.” It’s not really a new concept. Liberal theology has recently flooded the United States, but its waves have eroded the American shores for over two hundred years. This movement is largely contained to the United States, where the Bible has lost its authority.

Teaching, among other things, a form of universalism, Progressive Christianity softens God to make Him more palatable. He no longer condemns unrepentant sinners because that’s not loving. He chooses instead to bless everyone because that is just. He is malleable, and can it into whatever shaped box anyone would like to put Him. The god of Progressive Christianity is one of many, as we all worship the same god; we just call him by different names. (This post does have something to say about names!).

Jesus is “a” son of God. Not “the” son of God. He is not, as scripture and His own testimony asserts, “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Instead, He is “a way, a truth, and a life.” Anyone can get to the Father by pretty much any way they choose. It all boils down to your truth.

I have to admit, that soul-winning has not been very high on my priority list. But I feel as though I have been punched in the gut. My friends’ revelations hit home. I can see that I need to be about my Father’s business. I need to pay much more attention to God’s Word, much more attention to the orthodox beliefs of the scriptures. I need to learn how to counter the claims of Progressive Christianity (which is really not Christianity at all!), so that I can help those who have been deceived find their way back to the Jesus of the Scriptures. Oh, and you do, too.

Please join me in prayer for all who are deceived.

As always, these are the musings of a mindful disciple. Blessings on your week!

Image by geralt on Pixabay.