Let Him Be Accursed (Galatians 1:8-9)

2022-07-23

Some of the strongest language is reserved for people who change the Gospel message. Our sin was not some minor infraction that could be paid for by some penance or good works. Sin is ingrained into the fiber of humanity, and it could only be paid for by the death of the Son of God. Any works of ours flows from a sinfully marred being, which cannot be accepted by the holy God.

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. (Galatians 1:8-9)

It is insidious and satanic to pair the vicarious death of the Son of God with any human effort or intrinsic quality. This is a way of saying, “Jesus Christ is insufficient to pay for my sin.” It is a subtle idolatry that places control in the hands of men. It is the illusion that flesh and blood has the upper hand, bargaining with and obligating God to perform and bow to their wishes.

Christ crucified put an end to any human effort and boasting. We could not attain to God’s heavenly standard. Christ did what we could not. He bore the wrath of God for us on the cross of Calvary. In successfully paying for the sins of the world, He rose again. Jesus is our only hope, and He is a steadfast hope.