By: Robert Serreyn
Question? Was Simon the sorcerer in Acts Chp. 8 saved?
Answer:
YES, I believe he was.
If you read Acts 8:13, it states that:
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. – Act 8:13
Simon BELIEVED the gospel, he trusted Jesus Christ as his saviour, the promised Messiah that had come, was mocked, FALSLEY ACCUSED, crucified, died, buried and resurrected from the dead.
Although Simon was saved his one BIG MISTAKE(sin) was trying to BUY the gifts of the Holy Spirit that had been given to Philip, Peter, & John
(Acts 8:18 – 19) And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money (19) Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
There are those that TRY to use Verse 22 for salvation that a person must repent from their wickedness (sin) in order to be saved (forgiven).
(Acts 8:22) Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Verse 22 is is not speaking of being saved or has anything to due with salvation for that fact. This verse is about asking for forgiveness from the Lord for the sins that we commit and that was what the apostle Peter was telling Simon to do – 1 John 1:8 – 9, NOT to be saved or be re-saved, because Simon was ALREADY saved – V13, he NEVER LOST his salvation – John 10:28
(1 John 1:8 – 9) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
(9) If we confess our sins, he( Jesus Christ) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
(John 10:28) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand.
A added note: MOST people are taught wrong and confuse salvation with fellowship.
AFTER a person is saved(salvation) in order for that person to REMAIN IN or to REGAIN fellowship with the Lord, the christian MUST confess their sins, if they don’t then God WILL NOT give them blessings or rewards. and cannot use them fully for his purpose as he would like to – 2 Timothy 2: 19-21.
(19 – 21) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (20) But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. (21) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
Did Simon go on and become a mighty servant of the Lord? we are NOT TOLD, after verse 24 there is NO MORE mention of Simon the sorcerer. The Apostle Peter told Simon in V23 that he was in the bond of iniquity (sin) and told him in V22 what he NEEDED TO DO( give up his sorcery) in order receive forgiveness from the Lord. so that he could be used of the Lord to spread the Gospel.
The MOST IMPORTANT thing to know IS Jesus Christ as savior, just simply believe that Jesus Christ went to the cross and DIED and shed his blood, was BURIED and three days later RESURRECTED from the dead to pay for your sins.
A. Christ DIED for you – Romans 5:8
B. Christ PAID your sins in full – 2 Corinthians 5:21,1 Peter 2:24
C. BELIEVE (Trust In Completely) in Christ ALONE as the complete payment of sin for salvation – John 3:16, Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8,9
“For the wages(payment) of sin is death (eternal torment in hell); but the GIFT(salvation) of God is eternal life THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord”. Romans 6:23
IT IS THAT SIMPLE – THE GOSPEL TRUTH