Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Matthew 13:20 "The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 13:20 "The one on whom seed was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and at once welcomes it with joy; |
Bible Question: Can someone believe on JESUS for selfish reasons in a moment of feeling the need for something( ie. love, hope, peace, prosperity), walk the aisle at a church for salvation, yet not have a saving faith? I am reminded of Simon in Acts 8: 14-24. Was he saved? |
Bible Answer: Del: I would label your question "Motives for professing to be saved" I believe that some profess to know Christ for selfish reasons. Paul reminds in Phil. 1:15-16 "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of (selfish ambition)not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds" Although we cannot judge a person's motives and the Lord knows those that are his, I known people who have professed to be saved for the following reasons: - to make them acceptable in a romatic relationship. - children at times to please their parents - political gains - false teachers who want to creep in unawares - some have signed a card etc. because they feel a need to belong and yet have not spiritual life. Simon of Acts 8 has caused some debate in the past. It is interesting that the Spirit of God is careful to highlight his past life and his past motives "giving out that himself was some great one"v.9 In fact the people "gave heed from the least to the greatest saying, this man is a great power of God"v.10 God by his grace reached many of these people and they were saved. We then read "Simon himself believed also; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip..."V13 At this point one would wonder what type of repentance did Simon have? On the surface it would appear that he was saved. However, Jesus said "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" ( Matt. 7:16) It would apprear from v. 17-18 in Acts 8 that Simon regarded the laying on of hands and the gift of the Holy Ghost as something to be desired. We could speculate that this would be a great extension to his old work and give him prominance and power with the people. As we know he offered money for "this power" v. 19 Peter's answer to him would make us think that Simon had made only an outward profession of faith. "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money"v.20 "Thou has neither part nor lot in this matter: FOR THY HEART IS NOT RIGHT WITH GOD.V.22 "Thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity"v.23 These characteristics do not reflect the fruit of the Spirit nor the condition of one who has been truly born again. We do not read about Simon repenting. Del, it is so important that we be very sure that we are anchored on the solid rock which is Christ. Many believe about him, others like the women who followed him to the cross weep for him and the devils believe about him and tremble. Thus, believing in him is much more than simply accepting the historical facts or accepting intellectually the purpose of his death. What is the correct motive for wanting to know Christ? First of all we must know within our hearts that we need him, that he is the only one who can save us as we are lost sinners without strength. This is a truth which is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit through God's word. Rom. 3:23 We must desire to know him as Savior and Lord. Again as we ponder on our hopeless condition, the Lord will open our understanding with the light of the glorious gospel. We simply rest "our all" our very being upon Christ and his finished work on the cross. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, (or Jesus as Lord) and shalt believe in thine heart, that God raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:9-10) We say with the song writer: O glorious hour when God to me A vision gave of Calvary My bonds were snapt, my chains unbound I'm standing on redemption ground. Robert Nicholson |