Members Bob from England Posted August 16, 2017 Members Share Posted August 16, 2017 In Acts 8 we read of one Simon the Sorcerer, who made a profession of faith but was then rebuked for a serious failing. Was he a false convert, or was he truly saved, but in need of repentance after a fall? (Which can happen to any of us!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members heartstrings Posted August 16, 2017 Members Share Posted August 16, 2017 (edited) The Bible says that he "believed". All babies have to grow up. Edited August 16, 2017 by heartstrings swathdiver, Pastor Scott Markle and Bob from England 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Invicta Posted August 16, 2017 Members Share Posted August 16, 2017 I don't think he was saved. But then only God really knows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members swathdiver Posted August 17, 2017 Members Share Posted August 17, 2017 Simon was saved. Â How could it read any other way? Verse 9 tells us that Simon's sorcery was past, he didn't do it anymore. Verse 11 tells us that his actions are past tense, not doing it anymore. Verses 12 and 13 show that people that held Simon in high regard believed on the Lord (Got Saved) and were Baptized and he did likewise. Â It reads no other way. Verses 18-24 show as Heartstrings pointed out, this man sinned and was rebuked and he made repentance and did not want to do wrong. Â Admitting and not wanting to do wrong is a sign of being saved. Â In Proverbs it says the wise in heart receive commandments. Â Simon did because he was. Bob from England, Pastor Scott Markle, John Young and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bob from England Posted August 17, 2017 Author Members Share Posted August 17, 2017 10 hours ago, swathdiver said: Simon was saved.  How could it read any other way? Verse 9 tells us that Simon's sorcery was past, he didn't do it anymore. Verse 11 tells us that his actions are past tense, not doing it anymore. Verses 12 and 13 show that people that held Simon in high regard believed on the Lord (Got Saved) and were Baptized and he did likewise.  It reads no other way. Verses 18-24 show as Heartstrings pointed out, this man sinned and was rebuked and he made repentance and did not want to do wrong.  Admitting and not wanting to do wrong is a sign of being saved.  In Proverbs it says the wise in heart receive commandments.  Simon did because he was. Many thanks for your helpful reply. When I first read this back in the 1970s I thought that he wasn't truly saved. However, as I've looked into my own heart and life, and seen how many times I've come short, I can see that, yes, he was truly saved but in need of repentance which he duly exhibited. Invicta, Pastor Scott Markle, swathdiver and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Popular Post Pastor Scott Markle Posted August 17, 2017 Members Popular Post Share Posted August 17, 2017 Certainly, he was a saved believer. Biblical context is fairly clear on the matter. it is preconceived doctrine that leads to a different conclusion. Jim_Alaska, Alan, swathdiver and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Standing Firm In Christ Posted August 18, 2017 Members Share Posted August 18, 2017 Simon wasn't saved until he heard Philip's message and believed. Nor were the people that had previously had high regard for Simon. They were bewitched by Simon,'s sorceries and believed them to be a power from God. When PHilip preached to them, they believed. At that point they were saved and were subsequently baptized. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Invicta Posted August 18, 2017 Members Share Posted August 18, 2017 If you an believe the written history, No he wasn't saved. But I keep an open mind. There are many today who 'believe' but are not saved. I believed for many years before I was saved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members heartstrings Posted August 18, 2017 Members Share Posted August 18, 2017 Invicta. The Bible says that old Brother Simon "believed". Have you ever sinned or been "overtaken in a fault"? I have. He was rebuked, bro, and instead of rebelling, he repented in fear and asked for prayer. Sounds like a brother in Christ to me. swathdiver and Bob from England 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Jordan Kurecki Posted August 18, 2017 Members Share Posted August 18, 2017 To be fair the bible says even the devils believe in God and tremble. I can see both sides being possible, though I guess I probably lean more towards him being saved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Invicta Posted August 18, 2017 Members Share Posted August 18, 2017 (edited) 53 minutes ago, heartstrings said: Invicta. The Bible says that old Brother Simon "believed". Have you ever sinned or been "overtaken in a fault"? I have. He was rebuked, bro, and instead of rebelling, he repented in fear and asked for prayer. Sounds like a brother in Christ to me. But he didn't pray for himself. I have had people at work who asked me to pray for them. But they were certainly not saved. Edited August 18, 2017 by Invicta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Standing Firm In Christ Posted August 18, 2017 Members Share Posted August 18, 2017 (edited) I find Peter's reply to Simon when asked to sell the gift of the Holy Spirit somewhat interesting. "Thy money perish with thee..." This is and interesting statement, since, those who are saved aren't truly "perishing". Why those exact words by Peter? Shouldn't Peter have known whether Simon was saved or not? If Simon was saved, why the statement? Why not just, "Thou canst not purchase this gift"? The text seems to imply Salvation (he believed) but then seems to imply Salvation was not acquired after all. Edited August 18, 2017 by Standing Firm In Christ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members heartstrings Posted August 18, 2017 Members Share Posted August 18, 2017 Perish is also used for simply "dying". swathdiver 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Standing Firm In Christ Posted August 18, 2017 Members Share Posted August 18, 2017 Not totally sold on that, since the Apostle Paul makes a distinction between those who perish and those who are saved.1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. And every post-crucifixion verse that uses the word "perish" is attributing it with the lost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Standing Firm In Christ Posted August 18, 2017 Members Share Posted August 18, 2017 The Greek word used for "perish" in Acts 8:20 is translated as "damnable" and "destruction" in 2 Peter 2:1. It is translated "pernicious ways"; "of perdition" and "waste" in other verses. I don't see the word being attributed to the saved of God. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.