Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

The Perverted Gospel
Its Message
Mark A. Copeland
INTRODUCTION
1. The Bible is filled with grave warnings against tampering with the Word of God...
a. There is the warning given through Moses - Deu 4:2
b. There is the warning given through John - Re 22:18-19
2. Perhaps the strongest warning is that given by Paul - Ga 1:6-10
a. Some had “perverted” (metastrepho, to turn around, turn around) the gospel of Christ
b. Like a belt that starts out right, but becomes twisted at some point
c. Such perversions were to be rejected, even if it taught by angels or apostles!
3. Since the gospel was first preached, it has often been perverted to teach something different than
that proclaimed by the apostles...
a. Some taught that we must be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses to be saved - Ac 15:1,6
b. Others later stressed a similar doctrine of salvation through meritorious works
4. Today, many present a perverted gospel of Christ...
a. Often in reaction to the extreme doctrine of salvation by meritorious works
b. Proclaiming a doctrine of salvation by faith “only”
c. Denying any need of obedience in order to be saved
[In this lesson we shall consider this “perverted gospel” as often presented today, and note its contrast to
the gospel as preached by Jesus and His apostles...]
I. THE MESSAGE OF THE PERVERTED GOSPEL
A. IT BEGINS WITH THE TRUTH...
1. Most commonly presented as “The Four Spiritual Laws”
a. Formulated and heavily propagated by the Campus Crusade For Christ
b. Though it begins with truth, it does eventually pervert the gospel
2. Note the truth that is presented in “The Four Spiritual Laws”
a. Law One - God loves you, and has a wonderful plan for your life - Jn 3:16; 10:10
b. Law Two - Man is sinful and separated from God. As such he cannot know and
experience God’s love and plan for his life - Ro 3:23; 6:23
c. Law Three - Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin. Through Him you can
know and experience God’s love and plan for your life - Ro 5:6-9; Jn 14:6
d. Law Four - We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Then we
can know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives - Jn 1:12; Ep 2:8-9
-- Up to this point, “The Four Spiritual Laws” does a fine job in presenting the gospel
message; but then the gospel is “perverted” (corrupted)
B. THE ERROR IS IN TELLING ONE HOW TO RECEIVE CHRIST...
1. E.g., “We receive Christ by personal invitation, cf. Re 3:20”
a. It is true that Christ personally invites us to Him - cf. Mt 11:28-30
Topical Sermons 268