Faith That Does Not Save

Faith That Does Not Save

06-30-13

Act 8:13-24

13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

Saul was instrumental in the1^st “missions thrust” of church. Acts 8:1 & 1:8

Acts 8:1 And Saul approved of his execution.  And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

·      In Acts Chapter 8 we see genuine saving faith (Ethiopian eunuch) & false faith. Simon Magus

o   “magus” from Latin for “great”   Act 8:9-10

Simon was claiming/boasting deity….  he viewed himself as God incarnate and was arrogant!

·      He probably did supernatural things thru demonic powers. This still happens today.

o   Demonic activity and be very subtle, it is not always blatantly Satanic…for example "white magic."

He knew the power of God manifested thru Philip was real & was stronger than his magic.

·      To advance in profession or recapture following that was lost he knew he must get Philip’s power.

o   Had the "if you can't beat join them" attitude. Act 8:11-13

It Appeared genuine; believed, continued w/Philip who baptized him.

·      Ex: Rhinestones sparkle but upon deeper inspection are proven fake.

The word "believe” does not always refer to saving faith. Even the demons believe. Jam 2:18-19

·      He acknowledged objective truth of things Philip was preaching and was baptized. 

o   Profession of belief or religious actions (baptism) does not save.

Object of Simon's faith/passion/interest was the wanting of the power of signs & wonders. It was for personal gain not the glory of Jesus Christ/salvation. Act 8:14-19, Jn 2:23-25; Lk 8:13, Rom 8:9

·      So impressed by Peter & John @ the “Samaritan Pentecost” that he offered them money in exchange for power.

·      Surely external manifestation of the Holy Spirit @ 2^nd of 4 “pentecosts” in Acts.

o   It was crucial to give unquestionable credibility to Samaritan salvation because of centuries of hostility between Jews & Samaritans.

The focus was not on the manifestation of Holy Spirit but Simon’s attraction of power to bestow the Holy Spirit.

·      Approached Paul & John like dealers in black magic & treated the Holy Spirit like a commodity/trick to be bought & added to his repertoire.

His concept of Holy Spirit is not different from many Christians today.

·      A Christian would never consider buying the Holy Spirit because we know grace is free, but yet some think of Him as a power.

o   If you need more power in your life get more of the Holy Spirit.

§  Holy Spirit is not an “it or a force” but a Person. He is God!

·      Or some think if a person follows right formula God is obliged to act as we wish.  That was Simon’s belief.

o   In magic, God is man’s servant. In Christianity, men are God’s servants.

·      We shouldn't want more of the Holy Spirit so we can use Him, but the Holy Spirit should have more of us to use for God’s glory.

Evidence lost in words/actions & severe warning of Peter. Ac 8:20-24, 2 Cor 7:9-10

·      In Acts “repent” always used of unsaved individuals. 

·      Simon didn’t acknowledge or confess his sin.  There was no repentance.

o    “Pray for me” is a cop out…..He was saying "Do something to save my hide."

o   He was more concerned about consequences of his sin; not about his sin. 

·      Simon saw religion as way to gain in this life & avoid bad consequences rather than a life-changing relationship w/Jesus.

Entire tradition of early church: Simon heretic: He was a founder of Gnosticism

·      Gnostics believe salvation is gained by special knowledge (gnosis) about God

This account was a warning THEN to any tempted to listen/follow Simon’s teachings.

·      It is a warning now of fearful reality: some who think they are saved may be eternally lost. 2 Cor. 13:5, Jam 2:14, Rom 6:1-2

o   True salvation requires a present trust in JC, and evidence of growth in the Christian life.

§  Faith that does not transform life from love of self/sin to love of God/holiness is not saving faith.

·      Saul renounced/rejected the past & began to live in an entirely different way.

·      People do not need to experience radical change to be saved. A person can’t simply add belief in Jesus Christ to a current lifestyle of sin without repentance.

o   Jesus is not a commodity to be added to life but rather He must be the center of our life.