RETURN TO THE TRUE GOSPEL: The Apostles Teachings

By Jen Rich, CoMission

Devotional

Many of us have attempted to build on the teachings of the Apostles. In the Epistle written to the Churches in Galatia, we see that no sooner had the people received the good news of the Gospel of Grace than they turned back to false doctrines and teachings of men, relying on themselves for the perfecting of their faith rather than on the Lord, the very One that they had already identified as Jesus of Nazareth and whose message of forgiveness, through faith in His death, burial, and resurrection, they had already believed on, through the Apostle Paul. What they had first received through faith, they were now trying to make perfect by working in their flesh to be pleasing to Him. They did not depart from their faith in Jesus, but added to faith the works of the law in spiritual adultery (Romans 7:1-4). Paul brings correction to them, and calls them to push further into grace when he wrote that he does not “frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain.” (Galatians 2:21.)

How are we still trying to find perfection in the law today? Are we trying to force the fruits of the spirit to grow on our branches by our own striving? What does entering into His rest, and trusting in Him to produce the fruit, look like as we simply draw nearer to Him?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we pray that you remove all false doctrines and teachings from your Church. Help us to avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain (Titus 3:9). Restore the Apostles Teachings in the hearts and minds of all men. Return us to our first love. You be the Center of it all Lord Jesus. Help us to rest in Your Grace and wait patiently for the HOPE of righteousness that is by FAITH in You (Galatians 5:5) May our works come forth as gold when tried, because they have been built on the One True Foundation. Amen.