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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 (short): some reject, others obey the gospel WHY? |
Question (full): Dear Tim, I apologize for noy making my point clearer. What I mean to say is that the knowledge of the truth does not (necessarily) equate with the believing of the truth. How is it that we came to believe? It was by the work of God, was it not? We recieved the gospel call and for some inexplicable (inexplicable to human reasoning) reason we understood that the gospel was true and that we were in dire need of Christ to cover our nakedness before a Holy God! It took a miracle of grace, working by means of a God given faith, to transform us from spiritual death to spiritual life. While knowledge was an essential element of our conversion, it was not knowledge alone that was the cause of it. It is the power of God using knowledge of the truth as a means of salvation that made the difference. For instance: I meet a person and learn they are unsaved. I present them with the knowledge of the truth (the gospel). They recieve it but consider it foolishness. I have often wondered why some recieve the gospel but others reject it. Why? Are some men more inclined toward God than others? And if this is so, why is it so? I believe that which makes the difference is grace operating through the gift of faith. This is what ephesians 2 teaches me. How would you answer from Scripture? John |