Renewing Your Mind: "The Only Gospel"

Podcast: Renewing Your Mind by Ligonier Ministries
Episode: The Only Gospel
Date: December 13, 2025
Featured Speaker: Dr. Derek Thomas

Episode Overview

This episode kicks off a series exploring Paul’s letter to the Galatians, focusing on the centrality and purity of the gospel: justification by faith alone in Christ alone, apart from the works of the law. Dr. Derek Thomas unpacks Galatians 1:1-9, challenging listeners to cling to the grace of Christ and reject any adulteration of the gospel, whether by ancient traditions or modern-day legalisms. He underscores Paul’s urgency, the historical context, and the ongoing need for gospel clarity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Temptation to Add to the Gospel (00:00–01:20)

• Introduction to the Episode’s Theme
  Christians often feel drawn to contribute something to their own salvation, whether through additional rules or traditions.
• Quote:

  "When we add additional requirements to the gospel, we distort it. It becomes, as the Apostle Paul put it, a different gospel." —Host (00:29)

2. Setting the Context: Galatians in Church History (01:21–03:40)

• Dr. Thomas introduces Galatians as one of the most intense and passionate letters of Paul, likely written before the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15, around 50 AD).
• Links the letter to Martin Luther’s Reformation and Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.
• Galatians marks a turning point for core doctrines like justification by faith.

3. The Essence of the Gospel (03:41–13:08)

Paul's Formulation, Four Key Phrases (Galatians 1:1–5)

• 1. Christ Gave Himself
  Jesus voluntarily gave himself as an act of condescension (echoes Mark 10:45; Isaiah 53).
  • Quote:

    “First of all, he says to us in verse four, who gave himself... a voluntary act of condescension on the part of Christ.” —Dr. Thomas (06:00)

• 2. For Our Sins
  Christ’s atonement is substitutionary; He died in our place (huper, Greek for "on behalf of"). The gospel fundamentally addresses the problem of sin, not merely personal happiness.
  • Quote:

    “The heart of the gospel is a problem, and the problem is sin. The gospel addresses the problem of sin.” —Dr. Thomas (07:30)

• 3. To Deliver Us from This Present Evil Age
  The gospel is about rescue—from this fallen world into the age to come, the new heavens and earth.
  • Quote:

    “Paul is saying, we are going to be delivered from this present evil world... into a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness will dwell.” —Dr. Thomas (09:10)

• 4. According to the Will of God the Father
  The initiative in salvation originates with the Father’s love.
  • Quote:

    “The origin of the gospel is not simply Jesus. The origin of the gospel is God the Father.” —Dr. Thomas (10:14)

• The Gospel Is Grace
  Paul is alarmed that Galatians are “so quickly deserting… the grace of Christ” (Gal. 1:6).

4. The Distortion of the Gospel (13:09–17:51)

Paul's Warning Against "Another Gospel"

• There is no true "alternative" gospel: one saves; false versions destroy.
• Judaizers were adding requirements (circumcision, dietary laws, Jewish calendar) to faith in Christ.
• The issue: “Jesus plus…”—a dangerous addition that nullifies grace.
  • Quote:

    “And that's a damnable plus. For Paul, it's Jesus only. It's solus Christus. By faith alone, in Christ alone, apart from the works of the law.” —Dr. Thomas (16:23)

• Modern parallels: adding personal traditions, worship styles, extra rules, or emotional experiences to the gospel.
• Quote:

  “Before long, we're saying, you cannot possibly be a Christian unless you do X or you do Y or you do Z... Paul is addressing that subtlety.” —Dr. Thomas (16:40)

5. The Imprecation Against False Gospels (17:52–21:39)

Paul’s Strongest Language: "Let Him Be Accursed"

• Even if an angel preaches another gospel, Paul says, "let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:8–9).
• The strength of Paul’s response shows there is no room for compromise: distorting the gospel severs people from saving grace.
  • Quote:

    “He wants them under the ban of God's holiness... driven as far away from God's grace and God's love and God's embrace as it's possible to be. This is very strong language.” —Dr. Thomas (19:02)

  • “There are wolves among you and you may be sitting next to them... teaching the damnable plus.” (21:19)

6. Practical Takeaway: Preach the Gospel to Yourself Daily (21:40–23:53)

• Dr. Thomas urges listeners to guard and treasure the pure gospel, reminding themselves daily of God’s grace.
  • Quote:

    “Preach the gospel to yourself every day. Nothing in my hands I bring... Nothing simply to thy cross I cling.” —Dr. Thomas (23:25)

• Reflects on his own spiritual journey: the moment the gospel "became new" through faithful teaching.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "And that's a damnable plus. For Paul, it's Jesus only. It's solus Christus. By faith alone, in Christ alone, apart from the works of the law." —Dr. Thomas (16:23)
• "Preach the gospel to yourself every day. Nothing in my hands I bring... Nothing simply to thy cross I cling." —Dr. Thomas (23:25)
• "This is Paul. Yes, a young man. Yes, full of zeal, full of passion. And let me pause and say, where did that passion go?" —Dr. Thomas (19:58)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:00–01:20: Introduction — The danger of additions to the gospel
• 01:21–03:40: Galatians in church history; historical background
• 03:41–13:08: Four-part formulation of the gospel (Gal. 1:1-5)
• 13:09–17:51: The subtle danger of "another gospel"
• 17:52–21:39: Paul's strongest language—anathema against false teachers
• 21:40–23:53: Personal challenge — Preach the gospel daily

Conclusion & Application

Action Point:
Be passionate about the gospel and vigilant against distortions—whether ancient or contemporary. Remind yourself each day that assurance and salvation rest on Christ alone.

Looking Ahead:
The series continues by exploring Paul’s past and why his zeal for defending the gospel is rooted in his dramatic conversion. Stay tuned for the next session.

This summary distills the clarity and urgency of Dr. Derek Thomas's message, offering practical reminders and theological depth for anyone seeking to understand and live out the heart of the Christian gospel as presented in Galatians.