Sojourner #054: The Galatian Form Of Agreement
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. (Galatians 1:6-7, ESV)
What follows was first composed as a preparatory aid for a home group study through the book of Galatians, beginning at chapter 1, verse 1. The intention was simple: to help believers see the weight of Paul’s opening words not merely as a defense of his apostleship, but as a bold declaration of the one true Gospel. The form, structured as a kind of covenant or agreement, was meant to bring that declaration out of abstraction and into something tangible.
The kind of confession that says, with Spirit-enabled conviction and clarity, “Here I stand.”
Of course, this is what every Christian truly confesses, whether or not it is put into writing. And yet, in setting it to paper, the words invite reflection, resolve, and faithfulness in a world that has dangerously drifted from the faith that has once for all been delivered to the saints.
What began as a simple devotional resource soon revealed itself as a more serious work, a kind of modern reaffirmation of the Gospel as Paul preached it to the Galatians.
The individuals who authored and compiled The Galatian Form of Agreement have chosen to remain unnamed. This is intentional. Their desire is that the focus remain not on the writers, but on the Gospel confessed - the Gospel according to the Scriptures alone.
What appears here is not a new creed or concept, but a clear echo of the apostolic charge: to receive no other gospel, to proclaim Christ crucified, and to stand firm in the grace of God. Readers are encouraged to use it freely, not as a replacement for Scripture, but as a helpful articulation of the truth that Scripture declares.
May these words strengthen the Church in every place where the Gospel is cherished. May they draw the line clearly between truth and error. And may they serve, in every generation, as a summons to stand to the sake of His name among the nations.
The Galatian Form of Agreement
A Modern Affirmation of the Gospel According to the Scriptures
Preamble
We, the undersigned, acknowledging the urgency and gravity of the apostle Paul’s charge to the churches in Galatia, solemnly affirm this declaration of faith and covenant of allegiance to the one true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We confess and proclaim the Gospel not as a message invented by man, nor grounded in human wisdom, but as the revealed Word of God, recorded for us by the apostles and prophets in the Holy Scriptures (Galatians 1:11–12; 2 Peter 1:19–21; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). We hold that Scripture alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice.
Deeply aware that many have turned to a different gospel - which is no gospel at all - we unite in repentance, faith, and resolve, standing firm in the grace of Christ (Galatians 1:6–7).
In obedience to the apostolic mandate that anyone who proclaims a gospel contrary to the one recorded in Scripture is under God’s curse (Galatians 1:8–9), we declare our unshakable commitment to the Gospel of grace by which Christ gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of God the Father (Galatians 1:4), to the glory of God alone (Galatians 1:5).
This Form of Agreement stands as a public testimony, a covenant of faithfulness, and a solemn reminder that no other gospel will be received or tolerated among us, but only the Gospel according to the Scriptures - the Gospel of grace, truth, and salvation through Christ alone.
Declaration Articles
We, the undersigned, do solemnly affirm and hold fast to the following essential and unchanging truths of the one true Gospel as revealed by the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul in his first letter to the Galatians:
1. The Gospel Is Divine Revelation
The Gospel we proclaim is not a product of human invention, nor did it originate from the teaching or wisdom of men (Galatians 1:11). Rather, it is divine in origin, revealed by Jesus Christ and made known through the apostles by the Holy Spirit, in accordance with the Father’s will (Galatians 1:12; John 16:13–15). This revelation has been inscripturated, preserved for the Church in the authoritative, sufficient, and closed canon of Holy Scripture. The Gospel stands apart from all human tradition or contrivance (Galatians 1:13–14), and we reject any claim of further revelation beyond what God has already given in His Word.
2. There Is No Other Gospel
We reject with the utmost seriousness any teaching or doctrine that distorts, corrupts, adds to, or takes away from the Gospel once delivered (Galatians 1:6–7; Jude 3). To receive or proclaim a different gospel is to reject the Gospel entirely; such a departure is not a mere error but a grave perversion that leads souls away from salvation and into eternal ruin (Galatians 1:6–7; 2 Corinthians 11:3–4). Therefore, we stand unmovably against every form of false gospel that diminishes the sufficiency and purity of the Gospel of grace.
3. Those Who Preach a False Gospel Are Under Curse
In humble submission to the apostolic mandate, we acknowledge that anyone - whether man or angel - who proclaims a message contrary to the Gospel entrusted to us is under the righteous judgment and curse of God (Galatians 1:8–9; Deuteronomy 13:1–5). This solemn warning calls us to discernment, steadfastness, and urgent faithfulness in guarding the Gospel from all contamination.
4. The Gospel Delivers From the Present Evil Age
We place our full confidence in the grace of God, by which Jesus Christ gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins to redeem us from the present evil age (Galatians 1:4; Titus 2:11–14; Hebrews 9:12). This deliverance is according to the eternal will and purpose of God the Father (Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 1:11), who alone initiates and completes salvation (Philippians 1:6). We confess that the Gospel is God’s powerful means to rescue sinners, breaking the dominion of darkness and bringing them into the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13–14).
5. All Glory Belongs to God Alone
We declare that the Gospel calls us not to seek human praise or honor, but to live for the glory of God alone - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - both now and forevermore (Galatians 1:5; Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 10:31). This unshakable truth is the foundation of our worship, obedience, and hope. To God alone belongs all praise, power, and majesty in all ages (Psalm 115:1; Revelation 5:13).
Covenant Commitments
In humble reliance on the Holy Spirit’s power and the authority of Scripture, we covenant together as brothers and sisters in Christ to faithfully uphold, proclaim, and live by the one true Gospel entrusted to us. We resolve:
1. To Uphold the Gospel of Divine Revelation
We commit to uphold the Gospel that is revealed by Jesus Christ Himself and recorded in Scripture, refusing to add, subtract, or alter its truth (Galatians 1:11–12; Revelation 22:18–19). We will reject all human traditions or teachings that conflict with this divine revelation (Mark 7:7–9).
2. To Reject and Rebuke False Gospels
We pledge to reject every false gospel, no matter the source or popularity, and to lovingly yet firmly rebuke those who teach contrary to the Gospel of grace (Galatians 1:6–9; Titus 1:9–11; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). We will guard the purity of the Gospel with vigilance, knowing that the soul’s eternal destiny depends upon it (Jude 3; 2 Corinthians 11:3–4).
3. To Proclaim the Gospel Faithfully
We commit to faithfully proclaim the Gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9), in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). We will bear witness boldly to the transforming power of this Gospel in our lives and in our communities (Acts 1:8; Romans 1:16).
4. To Live by Faith in the Gospel
We covenant to live daily by faith in the Gospel, trusting in God’s grace for salvation and sanctification (Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 12:2). We will strive to reflect the Gospel in our words, deeds, and attitudes, seeking holiness and obedience as an outflow of gratitude for God’s mercy towards us in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:1–14), as the Holy Spirit so works these things in us.
5. To Maintain Gospel Unity and Fellowship
We resolve to maintain fellowship and unity with all who truly confess and live according to this Gospel, while faithfully rejecting false doctrine and unrepentant sin, both of which destroy the unity of the Spirit and the truth of the faith (Ephesians 4:1–6; Philippians 2:1–4; Jude 3). We will encourage one another in the faith and pursue reconciliation when offenses arise (Matthew 18:15–17).
6. To Commit to Prayerful Study and Obedience
We pledge to deepen our understanding of the Gospel through prayerful study of Scripture, submission to godly teaching, and obedience to the Holy Spirit’s guidance (2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:22–25). We will seek God’s wisdom continually to walk worthy of the Gospel we have received (Colossians 1:10).
The Gospel We Confess
We confess with the Church of all ages that the Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, was sent by the Father, took on flesh, lived in perfect obedience to the law, died as a substitute for sinners, and rose bodily from the dead in victory over sin, death, and hell (John 1:14; Romans 3:21–26; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4).
We affirm that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, not according to works, merit, law, tradition, or human striving (Ephesians 2:8–9; Galatians 2:16). This Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, revealing the righteousness of God and securing eternal life for all who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 1:16–17; 2 Timothy 1:9–10).
This is the Gospel once for all delivered to the saints, and we receive it as sufficient, authoritative, and unchanging - according to the testimony of the Scriptures alone (Jude 3; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 13:8).
Our Commission in Light of the Gospel
As those called by grace and entrusted with the Gospel, we take up the sacred charge to proclaim Christ crucified, risen, and reigning. This Gospel is not a private possession, but a public truth - binding upon all people, in every place, and at all times (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 17:30–31).
We therefore declare our readiness to suffer for the name of Christ, to labor without recognition, and to speak the truth in love amid a hostile world (Acts 5:41; Philippians 1:29; Ephesians 4:15). We will not shrink back, we will not accommodate falsehood, and we will not be ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16; Hebrews 10:39).
By the grace of God and the power of the Spirit, we will teach sound doctrine, refute error, call sinners to repentance, and exhort the Church to holiness. Whether in season or out of season, we will preach the Word and endure for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with eternal glory (2 Timothy 4:2–5; 2:10), by faith in His name.
In all this, we confess: we are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty (Luke 17:10). Let Christ increase, let us decrease. Let His name be exalted in every tongue and His Gospel be proclaimed to every nation, until the whole earth is filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord (John 3:30; Habakkuk 2:14).
Our Infirmity and Christ’s Faithfulness
We humbly confess that though our resolve is sincere, our strength is not our own. We are but jars of clay, weak and frail, and apart from Christ we can do nothing (2 Corinthians 4:7; John 15:5). We are prone to wander, to forget, and to fear, and yet our hope does not rest on our ability to hold fast, but on the faithfulness of the One who holds us fast (2 Timothy 2:13; 1 Corinthians 1:8–9).
Therefore, we do not boast in ourselves, but in the God that called us, keeps us, and will one day present us blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy (Jude 24–25). May the Spirit of God grant us endurance, purity, courage, and love, that we may walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ Jesus until the day we see Him face to face (Philippians 1:27; Revelation 22:4).
Closing Statement
This Galatian Form of Agreement stands as our solemn public testimony and binding covenant of allegiance to the Gospel once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). May we remain steadfast and faithful in both word and deed, standing firm in the truth of Christ’s finished work, until He returns in glory (1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Timothy 4:7–8; Revelation 22:20).
To God alone be all honor, praise, and glory forevermore.
Signatures
We, the undersigned, having carefully read, understood, and embraced the truths and commitments contained within this Galatian Form of Agreement, do hereby solemnly affix our names as a public declaration of our faith and covenantal allegiance to the Gospel once for all delivered to the saints.
By God’s grace, we commit to live in faithfulness to this sacred trust, standing united in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the glory of God alone.
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