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NASB | Acts 8:13 Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 8:13 Even Simon believed [Philip's message of salvation]; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he watched the attesting signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed. |
Bible Question:
What does Peter mean when he says to Simon (the Sorcerer): "May your silver perish with you"? In Acts 8:13, Simon had believed and been baptized: Acts 8:13 Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed. But later, after trying to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from Peter and John in Acts 8:20, Peter rebukes him: Acts 8:20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!" Simon's salvation was already eternally secure, right? So how could he perish? Does the word "perish" here mean eternal separation from God? If so, would that not mean Simon had "lost" his salvation? Also -- what was the gift of God? I always thought that meant salvation through Christ. I thought Simon had already done that which was necessary (believed and been baptized) and had therefore already received the gift of God. For those of us who believe that our salvation can not be lost, how do we inerpret this verse? |
Bible Answer: Dear cwade, You wrote: "I thought Simon had already done that which was necessary (believed and been baptized) and had therefore already received the gift of God." In light of the strong teaching in Scripture that supports "eternal security", less clear passages (which are subject to various interpretations) such as Acts 13:8 and Hebrews 6 fail to persuade me to abandon my hope in what Christ has done and cause me to trust in my own faithfulness. If a person, who believes himself to belong to Christ, eventually denys Him, then, that is evidence that shows he was never a true believer in the first place. 1 John 2:19 "They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us." (tares among the wheat). It appears to me that some folk are so enthralled with "free willism" that they see man as THE primary actor regarding salvation and just about everything else. The Bible says it is God that predestines, calls, justifies and will glorify. (rom 8:30). It is God working in me to will and to do His good pleasure that is my hope. (Phil 2:13). Jesus said that all who come to Him, He will raise up. John 6:44 "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day." There is no ambiguity in this passage. It is a clear statement of fact! If I had to rely on myself alone each day, I would'nt dare get out of bed! Trusting Him, John |