2 GOSPELS

Some contemporary interpretations propose that St. Paul’s messages are directed exclusively at Gentiles, while the Epistles of Hebrews, Peter and James, etc are intended for Jewish believers. This view often asserts that Gentile Christians need only follow Paul’s teachings, particularly the doctrine of “SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH” (Ephesians 2:8-9), commonly referred to as “Pauline theology’ or God’s word of Ascended Christ”, by this modern teaching.

In contrast, by the same contemporary interpretations, James’s teachings on “FAITH AND WORKS” (James 2:14-26) are considered not applicable to Gentile Christians. Indeed, to this modern teaching, the book of James, Peter and Hebrews are written not for Gentile believers but barely for their benefits.

Before we explore further, it’s essential to acknowledge Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 2:11-22, where he emphasizes that the church consists of both Jews and Gentiles, united as one body in Christ. This means there is no separate church or distinct gospel for Jews and Gentiles; their faith and practices are the same. In other words, according to Scripture, there is only one gospel for all believers—whether Jew or Gentile.

In God’s eyes, there is only one church, one body of Christ, and one gospel. Thus, the notion that Paul’s Epistles are for Gentiles while the Books of James, Peter and Hebrews are for Jews not only contradicts Scripture but also suggests the existence of TWO GOSPELS, ultimately dividing the body of Christ.

In a similar vein, when a church sends two groups of missionaries to different countries, both groups are expected to share the same gospel message. It is not acceptable and not appropriate for them to preach different gospels. This was evident in the early church. For instance, Paul was sent to specific provinces while others reached out to the twelve tribes. However, they all conveyed the same core message, even if their approaches and cultural expressions varied. The unity of the gospel message is crucial: there is one Lord, one Spirit, and one truth. Jesus did not die for one group of people in a way that differs from others.

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
There is only ONE GOSPEL. The Gospel is more than just the “Good News” that Christ died for believers. Indeed, the Books of Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John together weave a rich narrative of Jesus Christ’s life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Each Gospel offers a distinct perspective, but collectively they provide a complete picture of Jesus’ mission and message. No single Book of Gospel fully encapsulates the meaning of the term “Gospel.”

As shown in Mark 1:1-5, the Gospel begins with the declaration of Jesus as the Son of God and a call for repentance and forgiveness, laying the foundation for the entire story that unfolds.

Preaching the Gospel means sharing the entirety of Jesus’ life and teachings, rather than just concentrating on specific doctrines or on particular pockets verses like “SALVATION BY GRACE”. This encompasses His miracles, parables, ethical teachings, and the key events surrounding His crucifixion and resurrection.

If preachers focus only on Paul’s message, we must note that the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—were written by Israelite for Israelite, not Gentiles. If so, these Gospel Books wouldn’t be intended for Gentiles. So, where is the hope for Gentile salvation?

In light of that, these modern preachers and teachers have no right to preach, claim that Jesus turns water into wine and miraculously feeds the 5000 and 3000 and etc. Those miraculous events were performed in front of Jewish, not Gentiles then.

FAITH
In both the Old and New Covenants, God justifies people by faith, not by the law. Paul highlights this in Romans 2:27, noting that even Gentiles who obey the law, despite not having it, will condemn those who possess the law but break it. The theme of Romans is that obedience comes through faith, not through legal works. Moreover, if Gentiles that are not given the Law, but able to obey it, why can’t the Jew, was Paul’s argument in the Book of Romans.

In Romans 3:31, Paul explicitly affirms that faith does not abolish the law, rather, it upholds it. Again, faith doesn’t replace the law; it fulfills its purpose. The law reveals God’s character and standards, while faith in Christ empowers believers to live in accordance with God’s will—not through rule-keeping, but through a relationship with Him.

In addition, Paul in Romans 3:27 argues that “The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires FAITH.”. Clearly how believers obey God’s law is not by working on it. Rather, it is by believing or acting with faith on it.

Old Testament believers obeyed God by faith, as exemplified in Hebrews 11, the “Hall of Faith.” For instance, Abel, Noah, Abraham, Rehab, Moses, and David are all presented as models of justification by faith in Hebrews 11. Those ancient heroes were justified by Faith.

No, no Pauline’s teaching on ‘Justification by Faith’ is not limited to the New Covenant for Gentiles, while Jews are justified by works, as some modern preaching suggests. Whether in the Old or New Covenant, God justifies His people by faith. The modern teachings can’t cancel off the “Hall of Faith” in the Book of Hebrews 11. Believing God is FAITH.

THE BOOK ROMANS VS. JAMES’
Romans addresses the issue of “Faith vs. Works of the Law,” while James emphasizes the necessity of works and obedience for believers. There is no contradiction between them.

In Romans 3-4, Paul teaches that justification before God comes through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from “works of the law.” Numerous Old Testament figures who were justified by faith, not by their works of the law in Hebrews 11.

James, on the other hand, stresses that genuine faith results in good works. In James 2:14-26, he argues that faith without works is dead, but he is not advocating for salvation by works. Instead, he emphasizes that works are the evidence of true, saving faith.

James highlights that true faith always produces a transformed life marked by obedience, while Paul focuses on the foundation of salvation (faith) and James on the fruit of that faith (good works). Together, they complement, not contradict, each other.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, modern preachers who claim that Paul’s teachings are for Gentiles and the epistles of Peter, James, and Hebrews are for Jews not only divide the Church but also fragment the Bible. There is but one Gospel—Jesus did not die for Gentiles in one way and for Jews in another. May all Christians awaken to this truth.

When a church sends missionaries abroad, they must preach the same gospel. The early church demonstrated this unity. They reached out to different groups of people but shared one core message: one Lord, one Spirit, and one truth for all.

Lastly, Jesus says in Matthew 713-14: “13 “Go in through the narrow gate, because the gate to hell is wide and the road that leads to it is easy, and there are many who travel it. 14 But the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are few people who find it.” Don’t fall into these modern teachings. Amenbible