“Through a Revelation of Jesus Christ.”

“For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11-12 ESV) 

Those in Galatia were being drawn to false teachers. They preached a gospel contrary to what Christ gave Paul. Paul also reminds those in the church in Galatia that he received the gospel directly from Christ, not from another man. This is so important because it establishes that the gospel Paul was taught was revealed to him by Jesus Christ. Therefore, this revelation of Jesus Christ is revealed to us through Paul's writings.

Luke wrote about Paul’s encounter on the road to Damascus in Acts 9:3-9.  Luke wrote, ⁴ “And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” ⁵ And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. ⁶ But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” ⁷ The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.”

The men with Paul heard Christ’s voice but saw no one. Christ had revealed himself to Paul and was now opening Paul’s heart to the gospel. This independent writing by Luke confirms Paul’s writing of his receiving the gospel through revelation. Revelation in the Greek is ἀποκάλυψις (apokalypsis). In the New Testament and ecclesiastical language, it means, a disclosure of truth and instruction concerning divine things before unknown—especially those relating to Christian salvation—given to the soul by God himself, or by the ascended Christ, especially through the operation of the Holy Spirit. (Strong’s G602)

Like today, many false teachers twist the gospel. These people will answer to God for their false teachings. In Galatians 1:9, Paul wrote, “If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” This is why it is so important that the pastor who shepherds you preaches from the Bible. It is also important that the messages are delivered through exposition, detailed explanation, and application.

Some preachers are not inspired when writing their messages. They use other pastor’s sermons or series’, making minor changes to produce an uninspired message. Their hearts are not moved. The Spirit inspires an empowered pastor to write their own message given to their heart by the Holy Spirit. It is dangerous when a pastor uses messages to invoke emotion in a person purposely. It can produce a false feeling of conviction, and even, salvation. When an empowered pastor delivers an inspired message, the Spirit convicts and weighs on the heart of the believer and the unbeliever, compelling repentance in the child of God, or calling the unbeliever to Christ. 

Divine revelation is a gift of Christ; it is given to both the believer and the believer called to shepherd a flock. It is not a man-centered interpretation. It does not require theatrics or charismatics to invoke an emotional response to the gospel. When the gospel is delivered and received through Christ's power, the call to

Christ is irresistible and life-changing.

Christ told us in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” These people appear as children of God, but inside they care only about money and how big a church they can grow. They fail to realize that only God grows a church, and He does it through the power of the true gospel. Yet thousands will be damned because a false gospel leads them away, giving false hope and having no basis in truth. They are led away because these are the messages sinners want to hear. God forgives everyone; everyone goes to heaven. Say this prayer, and you will be saved; the more money you give, the more blessings you will have. This nonsense will condemn people, and those teaching it will reside in hell for an eternity.

Be cautious when selecting a church, or if your church is evolving into something that you are uncomfortable with. Ensure they believe salvation comes by grace, through faith, in Christ alone. See that they believe Scripture is the God-breathed word that inspired the writers of the Bible. For all of this is for the glory of God, not the glory of man. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Soli Deo Gloria!