“...they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel”. (Gal.2:14) Cp. “...let your conversation (manner of life) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27). In the first text, Paul rebuked Peter for not living up to the claims of the gospel. In the second scripture, Paul tells the Philippian believers their lives should compliment the gospel.
Many today think by believing the gospel that everything ends there. But that is only getting your foot in the door, so to speak. Both Paul and Peter tell us the gospel, once believed, is to be obeyed. Belief in the gospel gets one into God’s family; but obeying the gospel proves your belief is valid, and that you're actually a legitimate member of it.
The gospel of Christ is not only effective in those who believe, (that is,it works in the salvation of their soul), but affects, (produces change) one’s lifestyle, as well. Paul’s term is, “Walking in newness of life.” A gospel that doesn’t change a person from the inside out is “another gospel,” and carries with it the “curse of God” (Gal. 1:8-9).”
Jesus Christ didn’t leave heaven and come to this earth to suffer, bleed, and die, to save people “in” their sin, but “from” their sin! (Matt.1:21)
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