ACTS: Introduction to Phillip; Simon the Sorcerer Believed, Baptized, but not Saved!

But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. (Acts 8:9-12)

Samaria had a very interesting history, becoming the capital of the northern kingdom, Israel, after Judah was divided.  Their culture became permeated with pagan customs and loyal to the Assyrian, Babylonian and Persian governments.  (read "Samaria")  As was the custom in most pagan societies, which was true from the time the children of Israel were in Egypt, But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. (Exodus 7:11) We must be mindful that the devil has his angels also who use people,  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (II Corinthians 11:13-15)

So Phillip, one of the ...seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom,... (Acts 6:3) he went to Samaria when a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1) Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:13-17)

This is a very important fact that we must understand: we can receive the word of God, be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, but still not be saved, not receive the Holy Spirit.  Jesus once taught a parable about the sower, and He explained what the parable meant: “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. (Matthew 13:18-22)

Three different types of people with three different types of responses to the Word of God, two of which may appear to be believers initially, but their true heart condition eventually becomes evident.  Whether the third example is a saved person or not is up for debated, but becoming unfruitful is not a good sign.  But the fourth example, "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:23)  This person is saved and receive the Holy Spirit.  The proof is because he hears the word and understands it. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (I Corinthians 2:13-14)

And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. (Acts 8:18-21)  Jesus had made it very clear, that “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

Simon believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done; but he had not receive the Holy Spirit. He was mistaken like so many people are that salvation is something you can earn or work to achieve; but ...the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. (Romans 5:15) It's never to late for us to change and accept this free gift of salvation.  All we have to do is the same thing Peter and John told Simon to do, "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” (Acts 8:22-24)

Peter and John told Simon what he needed to do, repent and pray to God; but how did he respond? He asked them to pray to the Lord for him. People can pray for us, but we have to pray for ourselves.  Only when we ...confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) That's something no one else can do for us.  All the prayers in the world can't save us, but just lead us to the Truth.  Once there, we have to pray and accept Christ Jesus for ourselves.  Let's learn from Simon's example how not to respond to the Word of God, but to respond like so many other, who were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and received the Holy Spirit.  So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. (Acts 8:25)