What is the consequence of a polluted gospel?

The consequence of a polluted gospel is that it offers a false hope and does not lead to genuine conversion. When individuals attempt to mix human works with the grace of God, the result is a distorted view of salvation that emphasizes human effort rather than Christ's finished work. This leads to a form of worship that is unpleasing to God, as seen in Malachi where He rejects the priests' offerings. The polluted gospel creates a cycle of despair, where individuals believe they can earn God's favor through their deeds, when in reality, salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Christ alone. Thus, it is crucial for Christians to guard against altering the gospel message, as doing so diminishes the glory and sovereignty of God.