What It Means to “Preach Another Gospel” 

“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.”
— Apostle Paul Galatians 1:8 (KJV)

 INTRODUCTION

In today’s world of flashy ministries, mass media talking heads, myriads of  preachers and ministry forms,  trendy clubby styles and countless prophetic words, many  toying mixed and motivational mind numbing messages, so that now. it’s more important than ever to pause and discern:

Today I want to ask you the reader to stop and assess, evaluate:

Q. Are we hearing the true gospel of Jesus Christ—or is it something different?

Even in the early church, the Apostle Paul warned that another gospel—a different doctrine that claimed to be “Christian”—could deceive many. Today, the danger is still real, and perhaps more subtle.

Let’s return to the foundations of what the Bible, especially through the First Church, teaches about the one true gospel.

1. WHAT IS THE TRUE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO THE FIRST CHURCH?

Have we ever heard that Bible taught in our theology?

The word “gospel” means good news. But what is the original message preached by Jesus, His apostles, and the early church?

To define the true gospel, we look to:

* A. JESUS’ OWN MESSAGE

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
— Mark 1:15

Jesus began with a simple, powerful message:

• The Kingdom of God is now available

• Repent (turn from sin)

• Believe the gospel (good news of salvation through Him)

He emphasized forgiveness, righteousness, humility, and spiritual rebirth (John 3:3).

+ B. THE APOSTLES’ TEACHING – THE FOUNDATION

* 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (KJV)

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel…
That Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

The true gospel always centers on:

• The death of Jesus for our sins

• His burial

• His resurrection

• And that this was done according to Scripture

It is Christ-focused, cross-centered, and Bible-based.

* C. EPHESIANS 4:4–6 – THE COMMON DOCTRINE

Paul identifies seven core doctrines of the faith—this is the unity of the faith:

“There is one body, and one Spirit… even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all…”
— Ephesians 4:4–6

These are not optional—these are essentials of the true gospel.

* D. HEBREWS 6:1–2 – THE FOUNDATIONAL DOCTRINES OF CHRIST

“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection;
not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”

These are six foundational teachings that must not be replaced or ignored:
(Note I expound upon each of these below)

1. Repentance from dead works

2. Faith toward God

3. Doctrine of baptisms

4. Laying on of hands

5. Resurrection of the dead

6. Eternal judgment

If a teaching removes, denies, or waters down these, it is another gospel.

 2. WHAT IS “PREACHING ANOTHER GOSPEL”?

In Galatians 1:6–9, Paul is addressing believers who had started well in Christ but were being seduced by false doctrine, especially legalism and man-made rules:

“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.”
— Galatians 1:6–7

** Paul says:

• False gospels pervert Christ’s message

• Even if an angel brings it, it must be rejected

• Those who preach another gospel are accursed (Greek: anathema, cursed to destruction)

 3. WHAT DOES “ANOTHER GOSPEL” LOOK LIKE TODAY?

A. Works-Based Salvation

• Teaching that you must earn salvation by good deeds, rules, tithes, church attendance, or law-keeping

“By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves…” — Eph. 2:8–9

B. Law of Moses for Justification

• Teaching that we must keep Old Covenant laws to be saved (Sabbath-keeping, feasts, Levitical commands)

“Ye are fallen from grace.” — Galatians 5:4

C. Hyper-Grace

• Teaching that once you’re saved, you can sin freely without repentance

“Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.” — Romans 6:1–2

D. Denying Jesus as the Only Way

• Teaching that all religions lead to God

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” — John 14:6

E. Denying Hell or Judgment

• Claiming there’s no hell, no eternal consequence

“These shall go away into everlasting punishment.” — Matthew 25:46

F. Jesus + Anything

• Jesus + Saints, Jesus + Money, Jesus + Angels, Jesus + Positive Thinking

If it’s not Jesus Christ alone, it’s another gospel.

 4. HOW TO RECOGNIZE A DIFFERENT GOSPEL

Ask these questions:

✔️ Does this message preach repentance from sin?
✔️ Is Jesus Christ the only way to salvation?
✔️ Does it agree with 1 Corinthians 15:1–4?
✔️ Does it teach faith toward God and not human effort?
✔️ Does it line up with Scripture, not just experience or emotion?
✔️ Does it point to the cross, the blood, the resurrection, and eternal judgment?

 FINAL EXHORTATION

Beloved saints, there is one gospel. It is timeless. It is Christ.

Let us boldly preach no other gospel, even if the culture, religious elites, or popular media preachers pressure us.

Let us follow the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3), and earnestly contend for that truth.

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” — 1 Timothy 4:16 (KJV)

The Above Mentioned First Church Apostles Doctrines Hebrews 6 Doctrines

What They Meant Then—and Now

A Teaching Blog on Eternal Salvation and the Foundations of the Faith

“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of
1) repentance from dead works, and of
2) faith toward God,
3) the doctrine of baptisms, and of
4) laying on of hands, and of
5) resurrection of the dead, and of
**6) eternal judgment.”_
— Hebrews 6:1–2, KJV

 What Are These Doctrines?

These six foundational teachings are not “deep theology”—they are the basic milk of the Word. The early First Church taught them to every new convert. Yet today, many Christians either don’t know them or believe some are optional.

Let’s break them down to:

1. Define their meaning in the First Church

2. Understand how they apply in modern day

3. Ask: Does not practicing or understanding each one keep someone out of heaven?

We’ll also explore:
Q. What truly secures your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life?

First Church Ministry Doctrines defined

1.  Repentance from Dead Works

First Church Meaning:
Turning away from trying to earn salvation through the Law (rituals, sacrifices) or sinful living. “Dead works” are anything done outside of true faith.

Now:
Turning from sin and self-effort, and surrendering to God through Christ.

“Repent, and be baptized… for the remission of sins…” — Acts 2:38
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done…” — Titus 3:5

Required for Heaven?  **Yes
Repentance is part of saving faith. It’s not about perfect knowledge—it’s about a real change of heart.

2.  Faith Toward God

First Church Meaning:
Belief and trust in God through Jesus—His sacrifice, resurrection, and power to save.

Now:
Personal trust in Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” — Acts 16:31

Required for Heaven? ** Yes
Without faith, there is no salvation.

“He that believeth not shall be damned.” — Mark 16:16

3.  The Doctrine of Baptisms (plural)

First Church Meaning:
Refers to three baptisms:

• Water baptism (obedience and public witness)

• Baptism in the Holy Spirit (empowerment)

• Baptism into the Body of Christ (salvation)

Now:
Still valid and needed—but not the act that saves.

“Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized…?” — Acts 10:47

Required for Heaven? ** No
Salvation comes by grace through faith—not ritual. But baptism is commanded and unlocks deeper obedience.

4.  Laying on of Hands

First Church Meaning:
Used to:

• Ordain leaders

• Impart gifts

• Heal the sick

• Confirm the Holy Spirit

Now:
Still a valid practice in Spirit-filled churches, but often overlooked.

“Neglect not the gift… given thee… by the laying on of hands…” — 1 Tim. 4:14

Required for Heaven? ** No
But it’s a biblical tool for growth and ministry.

5. Resurrection of the Dead

First Church Meaning:
Faith in Jesus’ resurrection and the future resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

Now:
Central to Christian hope. Modern distortions (like reincarnation or spiritual-only resurrection) depart from truth.

“If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain…” — 1 Corinthians 15:17

Required for Heaven? ** Yes
Denying Christ’s resurrection is denying the gospel itself.

6. Eternal Judgment

First Church Meaning:
Final judgment—eternal life for the righteous, eternal punishment for the wicked.

Now:
Many reject the idea of hell. Even some churches avoid it. But Jesus warned more about hell than anyone else.

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment…” — Hebrews 9:27

Required for Heaven? ** Yes (Doctrinally)
A person doesn’t need to understand all of judgment when first saved—but to deny it altogether may signal a false gospel.

 Quick Reference: Are These Doctrines Required for Heaven?

Taveau needs to clarify:
What Actually Guarantees Eternal Salvation?

Many believers ask, “Am I truly saved?” Here’s the First Church answer:

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved.” — Romans 10:9

“By grace are ye saved through faith… not of works…” — Ephesians 2:8–9

++ You are truly saved when:

• You believe on Jesus Christ alone

• You repent and turn to Him

• You receive Him as Lord and Savior

• You trust His death and resurrection—not your works

 Final Takeaway

The six doctrines of Hebrews 6 are foundational tools for growth, not legalistic checkboxes. While some are required by faith, others are commanded steps of maturity.

If your faith is in Christ, your heart has repented, and you’re born again, your name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

“He that hath the Son hath life…” — 1 John 5:12
“He that endureth to the end shall be saved.” — Matthew 24:13

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