The consequence is that the person is accursed, a state of being separated from God forever.
Paul twice declares that anyone—even an angel—who preaches a different gospel than what he delivered should be 'accursed' (Galatians 1:8-9). Les Feldick emphasizes this as extremely strong language, indicating a severe, eternal judgment. This consequence applies to those who pervert the gospel by adding to it or taking away from it.
Galatians 1:8-9 — This is the central passage where Paul states the consequence of preaching another gospel.
In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul expresses amazement that the Galatians are turning to a different gospel, which is not another gospel but a perversion of the true one. He warns that even if he or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to what he preached, that person is to be 'accursed.' This strong language is repeated for emphasis. The consequence is directly tied to any alteration—addition, subtraction, or twisting—of the gospel message.
Les Feldick emphasizes that the warning 'accursed' is extremely strong language, indicating a severe consequence. He explains that a 'different gospel' is not necessarily something completely opposed, but often a perversion of the true gospel—adding to it, taking away, or twisting it, as seen in the Galatian churches being told they must keep the Mosaic Law. Les teaches that every word Paul wrote is inspired, so this warning is from God. He also stresses that in the day of judgment, all men will be judged according to Paul's gospel—the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Paul clarifies that the 'another gospel' is not truly another, but a perversion of the gospel he preached. Les explains that this can involve adding to the gospel, such as requiring the Mosaic Law, or taking away from it. Even a subtle twist that misleads people is a perversion.
Paul repeats the warning in verse 9 to emphasize its seriousness. Les points out that this repetition underscores how critical it is to guard the purity of the gospel.
Paul's gospel is that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This is also known as the Gospel of the Grace of God, revealed to Paul directly. Les distinguishes it from the Gospel of the Kingdom preached by the Twelve.
Paul's Gospel Defined
Les defines Paul's gospel as the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, which is the basis for judging any other message.
Accursed Warning
Les reads the warning that anyone preaching another gospel is accursed, emphasizing it as strong language.
Shudder at Perverting
Les repeats the verse and expresses shuddering at the fate of those who pervert the gospel.
Repetition of Warning
Les explains the italicized 'man' and reiterates the curse on those preaching another gospel.
Perversion of Gospel
Les explains that a perversion is twisting the truth off-center, such as adding the Mosaic Law.
Strong Language Reiterated
Les again calls the language 'strong' and connects it to Paul's suffering for the gospel.
Distinction of Gospels
Les contrasts the Gospel of the Kingdom with the Gospel of Grace, reinforcing that Paul's gospel is unique.
Judgment According to Paul's Gospel
Les says all men will be judged according to Paul's gospel, underscoring the eternal consequence.
Galatians 1:8: 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.
This verse is the core warning of the consequence.
Galatians 1:9: As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Paul repeats the warning for emphasis.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how 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:
This defines the gospel Paul preached, the standard against which other messages are judged.
Yes, Paul uses the strongest language—'accursed'—to describe the consequence. This implies a severe, eternal judgment.
Paul hypothetically says even if an angel preaches a different gospel, that being is accursed. This shows the warning applies to any being, regardless of perceived authority.
Les explains it is not necessarily a completely different message, but often a perversion of the true gospel—adding to, subtracting from, or twisting the message of grace.
Watch the Teaching: What Is Paul's Gospel? 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Explained Verse by Verse