Galatians 1: 8-9 (Let anyone who preaches a false Gospel fall under a divine curse)

Summary:  Paul is now giving a blunt description of the truth of the Gospel that he has proclaimed to the church there, in that there is one Gospel.  He says that even he or an angel from Heaven should preach a gospel other than the one he has preached “let him be accursed.” 

Note: The word accursed (from the Greek anathema) maintains the idea of being set apart or devoted to complete destruction, excommunicated, under a divine curse.

Note: The amplified translation has Galatians 1:8-9 as follows: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to and different from that which we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)! As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received [from us], let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)! “

Timeless Principle:  Both verses seem to portray one common point centered on the True Gospel of Christ.  Paul uses truly explicit language when mentioning any being of any sort (including the divine beings, “heavenly angels” )  who would preach a gospel contrary to the Gospel.  This is key. His attitude must not be neglected.  He is bearing a righteous anger much like that of a sin-hating Father has towards any action that does not bring Him glory.  The word Paul uses in this text is the Greek anathema which holds a devastating reality; a reality that he would even call on himself if he were to preach any other than the Cross of Christ.  The word was used when describing someone or something dedicated for destruction, much like the many peoples of in the Old Testament Canaan.  These people were placed under a divine curse which bore absolutely no mercy.  God called the Israelites to “devote [the people of Canaan] to complete destruction,” while even commanding them to “make no covenant with [the people]… to show no mercy… breaking down their altars… dashing into pieces their altars” and committing them to complete destruction.  The LORD even warned that if His people would not follow through with this command to rid Canaan of its heathen people, then His “anger would be kindled against them… and He would destroy them quickly” (Deut. 7: 2-4).  This horrific look at divine judgment is the same curse that Paul claims for anyone who would preach a false gospel.  And so we must be careful in not attempting to add or take away from the Gospel, while taking our time to peer deep into the wonder of the Cross.

My prayer: Father, it is my prayer that I may never forsake your truth.  That I may never turn from it but be bound to it as an ambassador in chains.  Give me strength to overcome my sinful desires for I am powerless on my own.  Continue to open men’s hearts to the truth that echoes throughout your written word.  Give me the words to in opening my mouth to boldly proclaim your Son’s death but provide me with caution as to not preach it falsely.  I ask these things in Christ’s name, Amen.