There are many ways in which the gospel can be distorted. In the case of the churches of Galatia, the problem was that some were adding to the gospel. Specifically, some where teaching that you must be circumcised in order to be saved. Paul is clear, this addition by the false teachers results in a different gospel than what he was preaching (Gal. 1:6-10). A gospel that is added to is no gospel at all.
Unfortunately, adding to the gospel continues today. One of the ways we like to add to the gospel is in regard to the promise of the gospel. We like to change the singular "promise" to a plural "promises". Some may not directly do this, however, we often assume added promises in our minds. It generally goes something like this, "I thought I was being a good Christian. I don't understand why (insert undesirable situation) is happening to me?" The undesirable situation could be various things (sickness, job problems, financial problems, family issues, etc.).
When we think this way, we are adding promises to the gospel. Does the gospel promise perfect health? Does the gospel promise financial prosperity? Does the gospel promise a removal of all difficult family issues? Does the gospel promise you will never suffer? Does the gospel promise hurricanes will not flood or destroy your house? Does the gospel promise we will get promotions over non-believers? The gospel promises none of these things in our earthly lives.
What then, does the gospel promise? The promise of the gospel is, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us" (Gal. 3:13). The call of faith is a call to trust in that promise. The gospel is the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham to make a people for Himself from all peoples (Gen. 12:3; 15:5). Through faith we are Christ's. If we are Christ's, then we are Abraham's offspring, and therefore, "heirs according to promise" (Gal. 3:29).
In the gospel, we are promised God. Nothing more, nothing less. It needs no additions.
In Christ,
Cory
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