Results 1 - 4 of 4
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What does "perish" mean? | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69474 | ||
Steve, thank you and God Bless You! Forgive me if it seems that I might be belaboring this point, but I am struggling with a question in my mind. May I present a hypothetical situation for your Scripturally based opinion? -- Is it possible for a person to "believe" in Christ and be baptized without ever truly repenting of their sins. And if so, is that person saved? I wonder if this was possibly the situation with Ananias, Sapphira and Simon. Early church tradition holds that Simon (the magician) went on to start a cult, founded Gnostism and later persecuted Paul. I would find it difficult to believe that a person capable of those things was ever really saved to begin with. (I realize I must tread carefully here)! Your brother in Christ, cwade | ||||||
2 | What does "perish" mean? | Acts 8:13 | srbaegon | 69475 | ||
Hello cwade It's always good to work these things out. :-) If by "believe" you mean "saying the right things and going through the motions", then, yes, such a person could do so without repenting. In Simon's case, Scripture says he believed. I must accept it. For Ananias and Sapphira, we don't know either way. Steve |
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3 | What does "perish" mean? | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69476 | ||
Dear brother, thank you for bearing with me. Please know that I am in no way doubting Scripture! I am just trying to reach a more complete understanding. There is a "life application" reason for my need to fully understand this situation concerning Simon the Sorcerer. -- We know that even the demons "believe" in Christ. Even Satan "believes" and shudders (which as a pastor once said is more than some Christians do:-))-- Scripture says Simon believed and was baptized, but makes no mention of repentance accompanying the belief. Nor was there a change in his lifestyle. Is it disrespecful of me to ask if it was possible that Simon's belief was not genuine, (since there was no evidence of a changed life)? I promise, this is the last time I will bother you with this tonight! | ||||||
4 | What does "perish" mean? | Acts 8:13 | srbaegon | 69592 | ||
Hello cwade, Yes, it definitely was your last question of me for the evening. ;-) There are others in Acts for which we have no record of repentance and baptism, yet Scripture says they were "added to the church". Your inquiry is a genuine and acceptable understanding of what happened. I read Hank's postings, and he builds a good case for profession without reality. I wish I could help more. Steve |
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