new & improved

JEFF KIMES

In 1985 the Coca-Cola Company made, what is considered by many, one of the worst marketing decisions ever made by a company. They changed the formula of Coke and called it New Coke. This new and improved recipe was developed to compete with rival soft drink Pepsi. It was sweeter and less acidic than the old Coke recipe. However, the American public’s reaction to New Coke was so negative that the company reintroduced Coke’s original formula within 3 months, re-branded as Coca-Cola Classic.

New and improved labels are on everything these days, from dish soap to candy bars. It even seems that the Gospel recipe has been changed by some to make it more palatable for those far from God. Surprisingly, this is something that the Apostle Paul dealt with in his day. In Galatians chapter 1 he addresses this issue.

Galatians 1:6 “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— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”

Galations 1:10 “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

There is one Gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It cannot be changed! It cannot be improved! It is the original recipe if you will, it comes from the Word of God. We are all sinners in need of a Savior. Jesus died to pay the price for our sins, rose from the dead on the third day, and offers that free gift of salvation to all that will ask.

Romans 10:13 “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

- Jeff