"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."2 Cor. 11:3
The word here does not mean "shallowness" or "easiness." Though the Gospel is simple in the sense that it is all Christ and only Christ, it is certainly not shallow or easy. It (He) is foolishness to the natural man and we cannot receive it (Him) without a miracle of grace (1 Cor. 2:14). Religion has a "simple gospel" which anyone can receive; even those who go on despising and rejecting the true Christ of the Bible. Man has devised an easy way to escape hell without ever meeting or bowing to the sovereign Christ (Matt 7:13). Anyone can walk the so-called "Roman Road," but only the regenerating power of God the Holy Spirit can turn a God-hating rebel into a loving son of God. The Spirit only does this work as Christ is presented in the pure, unadulterated Gospel.
The word here means "singleness" or "bountifulness" signifying that in Christ there is complete fullness so that there is no need to add anything to Him. In fact if anything or anyone is added to Him, He will "profit you nothing" Gal 5:2. This is the reason for Paul's fear. If Christ does not profit you, there is no profit for you anywhere in heaven or earth and you must experience God's unrestrained wrath upon you in your sin. It is Christ alone Who saves and sustains the sinner. Acts 4:12 It is not only that He is the only one Who can save a sinner, but that it is Him, without the addition of man's will or works, Who saves.
Many preach hell to frighten people, heaven to bribe people or works to motivate people. The Scriptures say much about hell, heaven and works, but the "simple" message of God's word is Christ and Him crucified. There is no reason or excuse for ever preaching anything or anyone else. 1 Cor 1: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. By Chris Cunningham
