THERE IS BUT ONE GOSPEL MESSAGE

I have great respect for Les Feldick, a Bible teacher whose televised lessons are gaining much popularity.  However, I cannot agree with him when he says that the Apostles Peter and Paul preached two different and distinct Gospels.  According to the Paul, there is only one true, life-changing Gospel, only one which has the power of God unto salvation; he wrote:

 

*   Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

*   Galatians 1:6-12 - "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:  which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ.  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.  For do I now persuade men, or God?  Or do I seek to please men?  For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.  But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man.  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." 

 

Notice that in both of these passages, the Gospel message is described as "the Gospel of Christ."  Brother Feldick believes that Peter preached the "Gospel of the Kingdom," while Paul preached the "Gospel of Grace."  According to him, one "Gospel" was specifically for the Jews, while the other was for "whosoever will believe."  Again, notice in Romans 1:16 above, there is no such distinction.  There is but one true Gospel, but it is described in several different ways:

*   The Gospel of God - Rom. 1:1; 15:16; 2 Cor. 11:7; 1 Th. 2:2, 8, 9; 1 Pet. 4:17.
*   The Gospel of the Grace of God - Acts 20:24.
*   The Gospel of the Kingdom of God - Mk. 1:14.
*   The Gospel of the Kingdom - Mt. 4:23; 9:35.
*   The Gospel of His Son - Rom. 1:9.
*   The Gospel of Jesus Christ - Mk. 1:1; 2 Th. 1:8.
*   The Gospel of Christ - Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 9:18; Gal. 1:7; Phil. 1:27; 1 Th. 3:2; etc.
*   The Gospel of Peace - Rom. 10:15; Eph. 6:15.
*   The Gospel of Your Salvation - Eph. 1:13.

Perhaps Brother Feldick has misinterpreted Galatians 2:7-9, which taken by itself, could be viewed as teaching two separate Gospels.  However, as most Bible students know full well, no individual Scripture should be interpreted in isolation; one must compare Scripture with Scripture to determine all that the Word of God has to say on any given subject.  Paul was not saying that he and Peter had different messages, but that they were ambassadors for Christ to different groups of people.  The passage in question says:

 

"But contrariwise, when they saw that the Gospel of the Uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the Gospel of the Circumcision was unto Peter; (For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the Circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles):  and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the Circumcision." 

 

The important question is:  Do you believe the Gospel, the Good News, that Jesus died for your sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that His Father raised Him from the dead?  If so, acknowledge Jesus as Lord of your life, and tell somebody (Rom. 10:8-17)!