God's Two Laws of Pardon...For the Unbeliever and the Erring Christian
In the city of Samaria, a man named Simon practiced
“sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming
that he was someone great.” The word “sorcery” is from the Greek
noun PHARMAKIA referring to “the use of medicine, drugs, spells” (Vine’s
Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p. 1064).
Though the people thought Simon was “the great power of God,”
they learned they were mistaken when Philip came to “the city of
Samaria and preached Christ to them” (8:5) His preaching was coupled
with miracles (8:6). These miracles were not mere drug-induced
hallucinations. Instead, they involved casting out unclean spirits and
healing the paralyzed and lame (8:7).
The miracles performed caused the Samaritans and Simon himself to
“believe Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God
and the name of Jesus Christ…” (8:12). Not only did they believe,
but they were baptized (v. 12,13).
Within this section of Acts 8 we learn of God’s first law of pardon. God
wants to forgive. He has provided a way through His Son, Jesus Christ.
The apostles of Christ coupled their preaching with miracles to
“confirm the word” (Mark 16:20). As people believed Jesus Christ as
the Son of God, they confessed that belief, turned from their sins and
were baptized into Christ for “remission of their sins” so they
might be saved (Acts 2:38; Mk. 16:16).
Yet, what is a born-again Christian to do if they fall into sin after
they have been baptized?
Simon gives us the answer. After this ancient drug-dealer turns to
Christ he sees the miraculous power of the apostles. Verse 18 says
“he offered them money” for their power.
Peter responds saying, “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” (8:20,21).
Here, the apostle Peter makes it clear that Simon, a born-again
Christian, is not in a right relationship with God. He is lost, fallen
from grace (Galatians 5:4). What must Simon do?
Peter says, “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God
if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you” (8:22).
Have you fallen away? Confess your sins, repent and pray (1 Jn. 1:9).
That’s God’s second law of pardon for the erring Christian. Get right
with God today.
October 2005