Beware of Adaptations of the Gospel 

Last weekend we attended a high school play in which a couple of our grandchildren were involved. It was an adaptation of that family-favorite movie, Mary Poppins. While the storyline was very similar to the film, there were some differences as well, including a few new musical numbers mixed in with those familiar beloved tunes. Everyone did a great job and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Creating adaptations is a common practice. Books are revised to make them appropriate for a movie. Movies and television shows are often adapted for the stage. While we may have varied opinions as to which version of the story we prefer, there is nothing wrong with taking license to make such changes, even in familiar, traditional works.

However, that is not the case when it comes to revising the gospel and the truths of God’s Word. There are those who attempt to adapt the Bible to fit their personal views or lifestyles, or to try to make it more in line with modern values and practices. Such efforts are not only unnecessary and futile, they are deceptive and dangerous. The Apostle Paul declared, “Even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). That should serve as a word of warning to any of us who are tempted to revise the basic truths surrounding the good news of salvation we have in Jesus Christ.

While we could apply this principle to numerous examples of such misguided attempts at revision in our day, let’s focus on simply one. In a recent article I read, someone was denying the biblical truth that Jesus is the only way to God. The writer claimed that when Jesus stated, “No one comes to the Father except though Me” (John 14:6), Jesus was not excluding people. But I must ask, how is what Jesus said not an exclusionary statement? If I stated that no one could drive my car except those who have keys, aren’t I excluding certain people from driving my vehicle? I could provide keys to numerous individuals, but anyone without a key is excluded. Jesus is declaring that He is the key to our knowing God and fellowshipping with Him. That key may be available to all. However, if anyone doesn’t accept that key, they are excluded from such a personal relationship with God. All are loved by God. All are invited to come to Him. But the only ones granted access must come through faith in Jesus.

The gospel is very inclusive of people regardless of their race, sex, or social status. However it is exclusive when it comes to those who don’t trust Jesus as their only Savior and who refuse to repent of their sin. The book of Revelation pictures a glorious heavenly home, but it also states that there are those who will be left outside the gates of that city. There is a heaven for Jesus’ faithful followers to look forward to, but a hell to be dreaded for those who reject Him.

You can’t get much more exclusive than what Paul stated in I Corinthians 6:9-11. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

Whether it is denying the exclusive claims of Jesus or some other issue, let’s not dare to revise the basic truths of the gospel. And beware of those who do.