How many articles could and should be written on the subject under which we write? I suppose, to use the words of John the apostles: “I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” (John 21:25). When you read the four gospel accounts, what do you see as the subject? There is at least one subject that people miss when reading the four-gospel accounts and it needs attention.
It needs to be noted that there is one gospel; yes, that is right, four accounts of the one gospel. How many times have you heard someone say, “There are “four gospels?” Truth is, there are four accounts of the one gospel. Paul addressed this subject when he wrote: “Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ” (Gal. 1:7). Some had come and taught “another” gospel. Paul used two different Greek words which are translated into our one English word “another.” The two Greek words Paul used, which are both translated into our English word “another” are: 1) “heteros” and 2) “allos.” The Greek word “heteros” means: “one not of the same nature, form, class, kind, different” (Strong). Therefore, Paul is writing to the churches of Galatia, that some had come among them, but they were preaching a “gospel” of a different “nature!” The “nature” which it did not have is the power to save the soul! The second Greek word used by Paul is “allos” (which is used 243 times in the New Testament.) and means: “different.” This word is translated into our English “another man” and “another woman.” We can fully understand that there is but one you. There are many people, who are made up of the same “things” you are made up of but not one of them is you! In other words, there is not another you!” And there is but one gospel; there is not another like it, as it stands alone! This is important to our understanding of what Paul is writing. Recall that this same apostle had written: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). That “other” gospel which is not “another,” is made up of the same things that the real, the true, “the gospel” is made up of: “words!” Just as all human bodies are made up of the same things; nevertheless, there is but one you! A thousand people may walk by but not one of them is you! Words are used both in the “gospel” that saves and the “gospel” which does not save! Nevertheless, only “words” are used in “the gospel of Christ,” and they are “the gospel” that saves!
Yes, there is “another” gospel, and it is made up of words, even the same words, as that “other” gospel; nevertheless, it is not the one gospel as there is not another group of words that are the real gospel. The Greek word used here is “allos” and means: “different” (Strong) and Vine gives us: “heteros” “expresses a qualitative difference and denotes ‘another of a different sort” and is used 2,087 times. For example, in Luke 23:32, Luke used the Greek word “heteroi” and is used of the two malefactors crucified with Christ. In fact, all three who were crucified are the same, all three being human, all being male. As there is one you, even though all people are made up of the same things but each one is “different” and so it is with these “so-called” gospels. All are made up of words, but one has the right words and in the right order to save!
Therefore, as we open the New Testament we are starting to read “the gospel” and there is no other gospel with the power to save! Yes, there are many “so-called” gospels; but my friend, there is but one gospel that saves the soul/spirit and it is the one that Peter, John, and Paul preached! It stood then, and it stands now, all by itself, as there is but one gospel! So, what is the difference between the two Greeks words: 1) “heteros,” which “expresses a qualitative difference and denotes ‘another of a different sort” and 2) “allos” which expresses another of the same kind. Once more, friends, do not be fooled! There is but one gospel, even though there be many “so-called” gospels that claim to be the same!
According to the will of God, our Father, there is but “one gospel” and it alone saves! Yes, the Holy Spirit had Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, write four accounts of the one gospel. One last thought, don’t think you have read “all” there is in the one gospel, when you have read through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; no, the entire New Testament may be correctly called “the gospel.” The “gospel” is something that can and must be “obeyed.” Read with care Paul’s words: “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (2 Thess.1:8-9)
Frank R. Williams