Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
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. |
Subject: I have a related question for anyone... |
Bible Note: cwade, there is no cause to apologize for asking "basic" questions! I only hope that I can give a basic answer. I like the basics. There is every reason that the church in our time should stick to, or get back to, the basic gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe, first of all, that you are right about this passage in Hebrews 10:26-29 falling within the parameters of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit of which Jesus spoke in Matthew 12:31-37. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is deliberate rejection of Christ Himself, His miracles, and His salvation. To (1) trample the Son of God underfoot, (2) count the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and (3) to insult the Spirit of grace [v.29] puts the man beyond the opportunity of salvation. The Holy Spirit brings the offer of salvation to the heart of man. To reject Him utterly is to act presumptuously and to blaspheme God -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There is left no other remedy for sin. God has made one provision for our redemption and one only: no one comes to the Father except through faith in His Son. No other way, no other sacrifice, no other power has the atoning power: nothing but the blood of Christ. And yes, I believe that these passages in the book of Hebrews have considerable relevance to Numbers 15:30,31, as well as to other Old Covenant books, chiefly Leviticus. There is every evidence to lead to the conclusion that the recipients of the epistle were a community of Hebrews, and it is thus not at all surprising that the writer establishes grounds for his treatise in the work of the Levitical priesthood. Moreover, although these Jews to whom this epistle was originally intended were by and large converts to Christ, it is more than likely that there were in their midst a number of Jews who had not yet made a genuine commitment of faith in Christ, though they may have been attracted to the message of the gospel, and even some may have indeed assumed a form of godliness, entered into baptism and the Lord's supper as an outward show only -- something like going along with the crowd -- without having experienced spiritual regeneration. It may well be those of this stripe to whom the writer is referring in his stern message of Hebrews 10:26-29. Does any of this seem to make sense and help? Or does it muddy the water even more? --Hank |