Only One Gospel?
Why is there only one gospel? Paul gives us the answer in Galatians 1:3–5, where he briefly summarises the good news of Jesus Christ. The Greek word for gospel, euangelion, literally means “good news” or “a proclamation of good.” But what makes this news so unique? Why is there only one? The answer is simple: there’s only one who died for our sins, only one who died to rescue us, and only one who died according to plan. There is only one gospel.
Only One Who Died for Our Sins
Paul tells us in verse 4 that Christ “gave himself for our sins.” This is at the very heart of the gospel. Have you seen Titanic? You know, the 1997 James Cameron classic? Well, it’s made a bit of a comeback lately. Do you remember that iconic scene at the end when Jack gives up his place on the floating plank so that Rose can survive, even though it costs him his life? It’s a powerful moment—a gesture of love and sacrifice. Some people think about Jesus’ death in a similar way, as an act of heroic self-sacrifice. And while there is love in the cross, its primary purpose is something far deeper: it is a sacrifice for sin. We all deserve the penalty of eternal death for our sin. But at the cross, Jesus experienced that penalty in our place so that we could receive eternal life. He was judged guilty so that we could be declared innocent before God. There’s only one gospel because there’s only one Christ who died for our sins.
Only One Who Died to Rescue Us
The second reason why there’s only one gospel is that there’s only one who died to rescue us. Sometimes, I watch TV with my son, and I’ve noticed something—every show made for four-year-old boys is about rescue. Someone gets into trouble, and it’s the hero’s job to save the day. The gospel is also a rescue story. We were trapped in sin, enslaved to Satan, and destined for death. But God sent Jesus to rescue us. Paul says in verse 4 that Jesus “gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age.” His death wasn’t just about forgiveness—it was about transformation. Jesus died not only so that we would be forgiven, but so that we would be set free to live a new life. A life that isn’t shaped by this world, but by the kingdom of God. A life where we are no longer slaves to self, but free to love and serve God and others. John Stott, the British theologian and pastor, once said, “Christianity is, in fact, a rescue religion.” There’s only one gospel because there’s only one Christ who died to rescue us.
There’s Only One Who Died According to Plan
Finally, there’s only one gospel because there’s only one who died according to plan. Some people think of salvation as a cosmic conflict—God the Father wants to judge us, but God the Son steps in and saves us, as if they were at odds with each other. But that’s a complete misunderstanding. The cross was not a backup plan. It wasn’t Jesus interfering with the Father’s will—it was the Father’s will. Think of one of the most famous verses in the Bible: John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” But we don’t even have to go to John 3:16 to see this. Paul says it right here in Galatians 1:4. Jesus died for our sins to rescue us “according to the will of our God and Father.” There has only ever been one plan of salvation for humanity: the Father’s plan. And that’s why there’s only one gospel.
One Gospel, One Saviour
The reason why Paul is so insistent that there is no other gospel (Galatians 1:6–9) is because there is no other Saviour. There is only one who died for our sins. There is only one who died to rescue us. There is only one who died according to plan. That’s why there is only one gospel. And that’s why this gospel is so precious. We don’t need another one. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only one that saves.
