But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. Galatians 1:11-14 (KJV) emphasis mine

Before we discuss this passage, let’s define a few of the words mentioned in it.

Gospel means good news. It is the good tidings of the kingdom of God and salvation through Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11)

Revelation refers to an uncovering. It is the drawing away by Christ of the veil of darkness covering the Gentiles, the mystery, the purpose of God in this age (Galatians 1:12). Revelation is the communication of God to you to show you something you’ve not previously seen.

Religion in this passage means the rituals, manmade rules and regulations that must be followed in a certain belief system. Judaism was full of religious practices established through the traditions of the Pharisees and Scribes (Galatians 1:13). Religion is not ordained by God. Religion is exalting man’s requirements above God’s Word, thus making it of no effect in people’s lives.

Tradition means to hand down, to hand over, to deliver. Tradition is the system of religious rituals passed from one generation to the next. The teaching of the rabbis’ interpretation of the law had cancelled out God’s original intent and replaced it with manmade rules (Galatians 1:14). Tradition is typically very rigid and unwilling to receive new things from God.

It is true that religion and tradition can occasionally be considered positive things, such as naming Christianity as your “religion.” And family traditions can be a means of celebrating relationships and can unify generations. However, in this passage, they are noted in the negative sense. In this situation, as is the usually the case when discussing Scripture and faith, the Gospel and revelation are at odds with religion and tradition.

The Gospel is the truth that saves us when believed. Revelation reveals the Gospel and Jesus, whom the Gospel declares to be the Son of God and Savior of the world. On the other hand, religion rejects salvation in Christ and says that man can save himself by his own works. This is a lie that wars against the truth of Jesus Christ and the Word. The Gospel says there is only one way to be saved- by faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work. Tradition discards God’s Word to uphold its own way of doing things. Sometimes man will try to mix tradition with God’s Word, but it always leads back to man trying to earn his own salvation. The Gospel and revelation of Jesus Christ bring life. Religion and tradition bring death and hopelessness.

This is the war that goes on- the Gospel and revelation versus religion and tradition. The side we choose will determine our lives and eternal destiny. It will determine victory or defeat, heaven or hell. Choose you this day who and what you believe. Will you receive God’s way, the life-giving good news of the Gospel or man’s way of dead, dry religious traditions?