Beware of another gospel
Dr. Abel Damina’s teaching on “Beware of Another Gospel” is a critical examination of doctrines and beliefs that deviate from the central message of Christ’s finished work on the cross. His message is rooted in Paul’s warning to the Galatians (Galatians 1:6-9), where Paul addresses the dangers of accepting a gospel contrary to the one originally preached.
Key Points of Dr. Damina’s Teaching on “Another Gospel”:
1. Focus on Grace, Not Works: Dr. Damina emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith alone, not by works. He stresses that any teaching that places additional requirements—such as rituals, behaviors, or works—as conditions for salvation is “another gospel.” According to him, many preachers distort the gospel by mixing grace with legalistic practices.
2. Exposing the Prosperity Gospel: One of the main targets of Dr. Damina’s teaching is the prosperity gospel, which he believes shifts the focus from Christ’s sacrifice to material wealth and success. He argues that this version of the gospel elevates financial and material prosperity as evidence of God’s blessing, whereas true Christianity should focus on spiritual growth and eternal life.
3. Danger of Legalism: Dr. Damina also warns against legalism, where Christians are pressured to follow strict laws or rituals as a means to earn favor with God. He asserts that this undermines the finished work of Christ, making people reliant on their own efforts rather than on God’s grace.
4. Avoiding Religious Manipulation: Another point in his teaching is the manipulation of believers by religious leaders who use fear, guilt, or promises of rewards to control their followers. Dr. Damina cautions that such tactics distort the simplicity of the gospel, which is about faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
5. Identifying True Teachers: He encourages Christians to be discerning about who they listen to. Dr. Damina insists that true teachers of the gospel will consistently point people back to the cross and the sufficiency of Jesus Christ’s work, without adding human-made traditions or worldly expectations.
6. Understanding “Another Jesus”: Dr. Damina also discusses the concept of “another Jesus,” referring to how some preachers present a version of Jesus that contradicts the Jesus of the Bible. This might be a Jesus who promotes wealth, fame, or religious rituals, rather than the humble savior who offered salvation freely.
Practical Steps Dr. Damina Encourages:
Study the Scriptures: He advises Christians to study the Bible for themselves to ensure they are not being led astray by false teachings. He often emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel of grace as presented in the New Testament.
Discernment: He urges believers to test every doctrine and teacher against the message of the cross, making sure that the central focus is always on Christ’s completed work.
Fellowship with the Right Communities: Dr. Damina encourages believers to find churches and fellowships that preach the true gospel and not one mixed with worldly aspirations or legalistic burdens.
Dr. Damina’s message has been influential in helping many believers rethink their approach to Christianity, challenging the popularity of certain modern-day teachings that, according to him, dilute the true essence of the gospel. His focus remains on keeping Christ at the center of faith, avoiding distractions that can pull believers into error.
