What is Grace? (Part 8)

Will God forgive rebellious Christians? He will, if they repent and turn back to Him. In Acts 8, Philip went to Samaria and preached the gospel to many people. Simon was among those who were baptized, but he was also a very greedy person. When Peter and John came to Samaria, Simon saw that they were giving people the ability to do miracles. Simon wanted to buy this ability and sell it so that he could make money. Acts 8:18-23 says: 

And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.

Even though Simon was in the act of rebelling against God, Peter did not tell Simon that he was hopelessly lost. Instead, he told him to repent and pray that God would forgive him. This is exactly what he did next. “Then Simon answered and said, ‘Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me’” (Acts 8:24). Simon did not need to be baptized again nor do any other acts of “penance.” He was forgiven by a gracious and faithful God who accepts His children back when they return to Him. This is also God’s grace.

God bless you, and I love you.

Kevin Cauley