Truth Magazine

By Andy Alexander

The conversion of Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8:9-24 is one among many chosen by the Holy Spirit to be recorded for all time in the inspired word of God. There are many lessons to be learned from all the conversions, but we want to notice a few important ones from the conversion of this sorcerer.

Simon was a man who practiced sorcery and he used this device to delude many people into thinking he was some great one (Acts 8:9). He was evidently very good at his trade for many people heeded him for a long time (8:10). However, when Philip came to Samaria preaching Christ and working true miracles to confirm the Lord’s message, “the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip” and “both men and women were baptized” (8:6, 12). The difference between genuine miracles and pseudo miracles was easily recognized by those who had been deluded for years and they responded in a positive way to the gospel.

Simon also witnessed the miraculous confirmation of the gospel and he believed and was baptized (Acts 8:13). Jesus said in Mark 16:16 that “he who believes and is baptized will be saved.” Simon was now a child of God having been born into the Lord’s kingdom by water and the Spirit (John 3:5).

Those who obeyed the gospel in Samaria continued with Philip as he preached the word of God. Simon was also among this number (Acts 8:13). The apostles heard about the conversions in Samaria and the text says, “Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8: 14-17).

This so impressed Simon that “he offered them money, saying, `Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit”‘ (Acts 8:19). Peter then told him that he had sinned and urged him to repent and pray to God for forgiveness (Acts 8:20-23).

What did Simon learn about the salvation of his soul from the teaching of Philip and the apostles?

Simon Learned the Purpose of Miracles

First, Simon learned the reality of genuine miracles and that these supernatural events had a purpose far greater than just the miracle itself. Simon, being a sorcerer and one that had tricked many people for years with his sorceries, was imminently qualified to discern between real and fraudulent miracles. He recognized that the signs and wonders accompanying Philip’s preaching were not cheap imitations or frauds. They were events that suspended the laws of nature. Today, many people are defrauded by would-be miracle workers. They have been deceived concerning what constitutes a real miracle and then led astray by believing that extraordinary events that cannot be readily explained are miraculous in nature. Survival from a car crash, the birth of a child, and recovery from cancer have all been pronounced miraculous by some. While we should be thankful for such happenings, these do not represent true miracles, signs, and wonders.

These type of “miracles” also do not explain the many fatal car crashes, miscarriages, or deaths due to cancer. Jesus said in Mark 16:17-18, “And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues: they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them, they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Notice that the passage reads that when they laid hands on the sick, “they shall recover” not they might re-cover. Evidence is abundant that this passage was fulfilled in the first century (Acts 3:6-7; 13:9; 28:2-5). Why is it not being fulfilled today?

Miracles existed for a specific purpose and when the purpose for which they were given was completed, then their use was no longer necessary. The purpose of these signs, wonders, and miraculous events was to confirm the gospel that was being preached throughout the world (Mark 16:20; Heb. 2:3-4). In other words, their use was to prove that the gospel spoken by the apostles and disciples did indeed come from God. Therefore, those who hear should give the utmost heed.

Once the Word was confirmed, the need for miracles ended. Jude 3 states, “Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.” The faith has been delivered. Notice the past tense of the verb. It is not an ongoing process.

The writer of Hebrews says, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard, God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will” (Heb. 2:3-4). Again, notice the tense of the verb “was confirmed” is past tense. The word is not being confirmed (present tense), or will be con-firmed (future tense), but was confirmed (past tense).

Miracles were not given for the express purpose of healing people physically. Physical healing was only a side benefit to those who lived in the first century. Paul had a valuable companion name Trophimus whom he left behind in Miletus because he was sick (2 Tim. 4:20). Had it been God’s intent to heal all the faithful, all the time, then why did Paul not lay his hands on Trophimus and heal him? Paul definitely had the gift of healing (Acts 19:11-12).

Simon Learned That Spiritual Gifts Are

Given by the Apostles

A second lesson learned by Simon was that spiritual gifts were given by the laying on of the apostles’ hands (Acts 8:14-18). Philip, who had the ability to perform miracles was not able to pass that ability onto others. The apostles had laid their hands on Philip while he was in Jerusalem, but it was the apostles and them alone that had the power to lay their hands on Christians and impart various spiritual gifts (Acts 6:5-6; 8:17). That is the reason Peter and John went to Samaria.

We can see that when the apostles died and the last per-son on whom they had laid their hands died that miraculous spiritual gifts ceased and vanished away. That is in complete agreement with Paul’s statement to the Corinthians which reads, “Love never faileth but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Cor. 3:8-10). Paul chooses three gifts to represent all the gifts given by the Spirit and says that they will be done away with when “that which is perfect is come.” He was describing gifts that dealt with the revelation of God’s will to man. Tongues, prophecy, and miraculous knowledge all had to do with a partial revelation, but when the revelation was complete, then the partial would vanish.

The word has been completely revealed and was con-firmed as we have already seen (Jude 3; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 2:3-4). James says that it is the “perfect law” of liberty (James 1:25). Also, it does not allow for any tampering by men or angels (Gal. 1:6-9). With the observations of Simon before us and the knowledge that miracles would cease, we should give heed to those things which have de-livered and confirmed by the Holy Spirit and not be deceived by would-be miracle workers of our day (Col. 2:18).

Simon Learned What To Do To Be Saved

Simon also learned what an alien sinner must do in order to be saved from his lost condition. He heard and believed the gospel and was baptized into Christ (Acts 8:13). Thus, he obeyed the command of Jesus in Mark 16:15-16 that states, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.” Therefore, he was saved from his sins and added by the Lord to his church (Acts 2:47).

Something interesting is also seen in what Simon was not told. He was not instructed to accept Jesus as his personal Savior and say the sinner’s prayer. He was not called to an altar and urged to pray through for forgiveness. The mourner’s bench, praying through, an altar, and the sinner’s prayer are not found in God’s word. Those who have obeyed a command to use any of these means for salvation have obeyed the voice of man and not God. Simon heard and believed the gospel and was baptized into Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Gal. 3:27).

These commands and blessings are as true today as they were in first century when Simon obeyed them (Matt. 24:35). If we will hear the gospel, believe in Jesus with all our hearts, confess our faith in him, repent of our sins, and be immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins, we will be saved (Rom. 10:17; 10:9-10; Acts 2:38). The Lord will then add us to his church, not some human denomination that has been built and sustained by men. We then, like Simon, must continue in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9; 1 John 2:5-6).

Simon Learned That a Child of God

Can Fall From Grace

At this point Simon learned a fourth lesson. A child of God can sin so as to be lost eternally (Acts 8:19-24). Simon continued for awhile in the doctrine of Christ, but he had sinful thoughts that caused him to fall from God’s grace (Acts 8:13; Gal. 5:4).

Simon Learned How to be Restored

Now Simon learned a fifth lesson; what an erring child of God must do to receive forgiveness. Peter told Simon, “Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee. For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity” (Acts 8:20-23). Simon was now a child of God and had access to God’s throne of grace through Jesus Christ (Heb. 4:16; 1 Tim. 2:5). He could now rightfully pray to God for forgiveness.

Simon Learned the Meaning of True Love

Simon also learned a sixth lesson. He learned what preaching the truth in love involves. It involves not only proclaiming the positive aspects of the gospel, but also the negative. When Peter recognized the condition of Simon after he sinned, Peter told him clearly that he had sinned and was in need of forgiveness (Acts 8:20-24). Peter did not sidestep his responsibility. It was Simon’s choice as to whether he would repent and pray and Peter’s love for him and the truth that demanded he inform Simon of his dire condition.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 19, p. 10-12
October 3, 1996

By Jim McDonald

This article is a continuation of the tract written for distribution in the Philippines. The first part was in the September 19 issue of Guardian of Truth.

Is Church Membership Essential to Salvation?

Many say: “Church membership isn’t essential to salvation. One can be saved and never be a member of any church.” This is what man says. What does God say? “And the Lord added to the church daily those that were being saved.” “He (Christ)) is the savior of the body (church)” (Acts 2:47; Eph 5:23). To answer this question two more questions are necessary. Is the blood of Christ essential to salvation? Can one be saved outside Christ Jesus?

Christ’s death was essential that man might have remission of his sins. Since “it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins,” “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” and “the wages of sin is death” (Heb. 10:4; Rom. 3:23; 6:23), it is evident that there must be some sacrifice offered to permanently rid man of the guilt of his sins. That sacrifice is the blood (death) of Christ. Christ’s blood was “poured out for many unto re-mission of sins” and will cleanse from sin, loose from sin, justify and redeem (Matt. 26:28; 1 John 1:7; Rev. 1:5; Rom. 5:9; Eph. 1:7). None who believe in Christ will say Christ’s death was needless.

Since Christ’s death was essential, membership in his church is essential. The church was purchased with his blood and those who are his church have been bought by that blood (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 6:20; Rev. 5:9). It is an insult to Christ to say membership in the church is not essential to salvation for the church is the saved ones, the result of the applied and appropriated blood of our Lord. God makes no mistakes and since he adds the saved to the church, the saved are in his church. He saves his body, the church and promises salvation to none other (Acts 2:47; Eph. 5:23).

Paul’s earnest longing was to be found in Christ. The reason for that longing was because, among other things, salvation is there. “I endure all things for the elect’s sake that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:9; 2 Tim. 2:10). In Christ we are forgiven, reconciled, redeemed, chosen, and made God’s heir (Eph. 1:4, 7, 11; 2:16) There is salvation for none outside Christ(John 15:5, 6). If none can be saved outside Christ, none can be saved outside his church for his church is his body and none can be in him who is not in his body.

Membership in a church that exists by man’s authority will not save. There are hundreds of churches which exists by the authority of men yet somewhere in the maze of all human plans and schemes Christ’s true church can be found, for of that church (kingdom) God promised that it would stand forever (Dan. 2:44).

How Can I Know Which Church Is Right?

Surely, if our God purposed his church from the foundation of the world (he did, Eph. 3:8-11), gave his only begotten Son as sacrifice for forgiveness of man’s sins, he would not so obscure that church so that man whom he loves could not find it (John 3:16). He promised that man can know what is right and find him. “If any man willeth to do his will he shall know of the teaching whether it is of God or whether I speak from myself.” “And ye shall seek for me and ye shall find me when ye shall seek for me with all your hearts” (John 7:17; Jer. 29:13). He strongly warned us that there are counterfeits and ravening wolves who seek to devour men’s souls. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man but the ends thereof are the ways of death.” The road to heaven is narrow, straitened, and found by very few (Prov. 14:12; Matt. 7:13, 14) So, man must search assured that if he searches with all his heart he can find God, but he must ever be aware that he can be deceived.

The need for a measuring rod is obvious. God gave an inerrant rod to determine which church is his. God designed it; Jesus built it according to those plans and we are urged: “See that thou make all things according to the pattern that was shown thee in the mount” (Eph. 3:8-11; Matt. 16:18; Heb. 8:5). The measuring rod is the word of Christ which we not only can but must understand (Eph. 3:4; 5:17).

Christ gave identifying features by which man can recognize his church. There are certain things essential to enter it. One must believe Jesus is the Son of God and be willing to acknowledge that faith (Rom. 10:10; Acts 8:36, 37). One must also repent of his sins and be baptized (immersed) in order that his sins might be forgiven (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:37, 38; Rom. 6:3, 4; Acts 22:16).

Jesus teaches that collectively his church was called “Church of Christ,” “Church of God,” and “Church of God in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:1; 1 Thess 2:14). His people were identified by the name “Christian” (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16). Human names are designed to divide mankind and unity will never be attained until all lay aside party names and are identified by the name Christian.

Christ’s church was organized into local congregations and they were overseen by a plurality of elders called bishops and pastors (Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; Eph. 4:11; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; 1 Tim. 3:1-7). These men were assisted by deacons (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8-10). No organizational structure beyond the local level was given. Elders were to take heed to all the flock, tend the flock of God among them. Such a command is inclusive (his oversight extends to all that are part of the flock he oversees), but it is also exclusive. No one else is over that flock (apart from other elders who serve in the same flock with him); his oversight extends no further than the local flock in which he serves.

The local church has a divine mission to accomplish in this world. First, it is the pillar and support of truth (1 Tim. 3:15). It has the responsibility to build up in the faith those saved. Apostles were to teach, baptize those taught, then teach them again (Matt. 28:18). Elders are to feed the flock and may be supported in their work of feeding that flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 5:17). There is also the work of relief for needy saints that must be attended to (1 Cor. 16:1f; 1 Tim. 5:16).

The worship of this church also is outlined. Scriptural worship must be offered in spirit and truth (John 4:24). The early church “continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine, in the fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). The Apostles’ doctrine is the doctrine of Christ, the gospel (Matt. 28:18; 2 John 9-11; Rom. 1:16). The whole counsel of God must be taught with neither addition nor subtraction (Acts 20:26, 27; Rev. 22:18,19). The early church continued steadfastly in the “breaking of bread” a reference to the memorial supper our Lord instituted in memory of his sacrifice the night of his betrayal (Matt. 26:26-29). This supper is comprised of two elements, unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine (1 Cor. 11:25, 26). It was observed each week on that week’s first day (Acts 20:7). Disciples also gave of their resources into the general treasury on the week’s first day (1 Cor. 16:1, 2); they prayed and sang psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Their singing was vocal, for instrumental music was not introduced into worship until many centuries later. These are simple guidelines, but essential ones since they were given by the Holy Spirit’s direction.

What Must I Do to Become and Remain a Member of Christ’s Church?

It has earlier been shown what requirements must be met by him who desires to be part of our Lord’s church. Jesus said: “Except a man be born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. ” This is parallel to Jesus’s command to his disciples: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved and he that believeth not shall be condemned” (John 3:5; Mark 16:15, 16). Jesus has not changed his terms. None enter his church who has not been born again and when one believes and is baptized, he is therein born again.

There is a twofold requirement of man who becomes a Christian. (1) He must put off the old man of sin, and (2) He must put on the new man of righteousness (Rom.12:1, 2; Titus 2:11, 12; 1Pet. 2:11, 12). Thus we read:

Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; for which things’ sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience: wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things; but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth: lie not one to another: seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him: where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness (Col. 3:5-14).

A faithful life of devoted service to God, coupled with his abiding love and grace will bring to such an one these welcome words: “Come, ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25:34). Such was Paul’s expectation and one he said might be mutually shared by all others who would seek to be found in Christ. He said: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day: and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing ” (2 Tim. 4:7, 8).

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 19, p. 18-19
October 3, 1996

By Darleen Sweets

I was thinking that it’s awful warm in here, but you know I really like it that way. It always feels as if the walls are pushing inward. They seem to be getting closer all of the time. I see everything as pitch black. I wish I could see more. I know that I don’t look like everyone else. I feel so cramped and closed in. Everyone else seems so relaxed and comfortable.

I realize I don’t eat like everyone else, but maybe some-day I will be able to. The doctors say I am starting to grow more. I wish so badly to be like everyone else. I only wish I could get out into the real world. I hope everyone will accept me the way I am. I’m human and I have feelings too.

I know my mama loves me. I can tell by her gentle touch. Sometimes she rubs me gently, and it feels so good. I try to tell her I love her, but it doesn’t come out so clear. I say it in my mind over and over. I wonder if she knows that I love her. I hope she does.

Some people think I’m deaf, but they don’t realize that I really can hear. It must be because I don’t speak.

I went with Mama to the doctor. We had to wait a real long time. I had time for a nap. I could hear people laughing and chattering, but what I liked most was the soft music in the background. I know it was my time to see the doctor because my mama carried me in and the doctor was talking to my mom. I had hoped the doctor’s visit would be quick and easy. I knew what was coming next, the doctor always poked on me when I have gone to him before. I wish he wouldn’t poke on me so much.

Mama, what’s wrong? Why are you crying? Mama don’t be upset! I wish so badly she could hear me. Good, Mama stopped crying so much. I’m glad she’s settling down a bit. My doctor and nurse told my mama to lay down, I could hear them. I know that they would help her now.

Oh! That hurts, Mama help me, can’t you hear me. Oh! Mama what did I do wrong? Please help me. Mama help me, I’m being cut. I know you love me, why won’t you help me? Mama don’t leave me. I can’t hear you much more. I feel icy cold, everything is fainting, it hurts! Why? Mama! Mama! The last thing I heard was the nurse say the abortion is over. All is gone and quiet, all is calm. I hear no more .. .

Then his loving hand took me! I know that God loves me.

(This article was written by Darleen (age 14) after having submitted one to her English teacher that was similar, only to see it rejected because of its plain language. The teacher read this one through and began to cry. Afterwards, she showed it to other faculty members who also wept. Thank God for young people such as Darleen.)

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 19, p. 7
October 3, 1996

By Randy Blackaby

One of the darkest spots in the moral blackness that seems to be enveloping our nation is the pervasive dishonesty that leaves us distrustful and doubtful about almost everything and everyone.

Dishonesty, from the slight bending of truth to the bold lie, is the norm in American society today. Gone is the hand-shake agreement. Gone is a man’s word as his bond.

It comes in many forms and is called by many names. It may be infidelity, faithlessness, falsehood, deceit, trickery, duplicity, cheating, stealing, swindling, fraud, forgery, per-jury, treason, or just plain lying. It’s all the same thing and it’s all grossly immoral.

But there is little in our society to support honesty and integrity today. Situational morality is commonly taught in most of our schools and there are few examples of genuinely honest people to imitate anymore.

Much of today’s advertising is nothing short of professionally created deceit. And what is more dishonest than the men and women who throw their marriage vows out the window and commit adultery. They are liars as well as fornicators.

Our politicians have a reputation for near inability to even come close to telling the truth. Our last president boldly said, “Read my lips. No new taxes.” He then approved a major new tax increase.

Our current president had earned the nickname “Slick Willie” before he was ever elected to the highest office in the land. He promised middle class tax cuts and a variety of other changes that he immediately backpedaled on when put in office.

It would be a mistake not to mention the charlatans in religion who wave their Bibles and call for others to repent when they are themselves are philandering. Hypocrisy is yet another form of untruthfulness.

What Is the Result of All this Dishonesty?

First and foremost is the loss of trust. Whether you are buying a product, choosing a candidate, considering marriage or just wanting to find a good friend, you suffer from this nagging lack of confidence, a fear that you are going to be ripped off, lied to, cheated on, or betrayed. It is a source of considerable unhappiness.

Trust is the bond or glue that holds relationships together. When it is destroyed those relationships and the institutions built upon them are jeopardized.

Honesty is a basic building block of civilized society. But it must be taught, reinforced, prized, and honored.

Too many today throw away one of the greatest possible pleasures of life  a reputation for honesty and integrity. Many business people fail because they destroy their greatest asset  trustworthiness. Truthfulness has great value. The ancient Solomon wrote, “Buy the truth, and do not sell it” (Prov. 23:23).

Some religionists have attempted through sophistry, euphemism, and a situational ethic to water down the moral demand for the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Some speak of “little white lies” in contrast with “blacker” ones. But the Bible makes no such distinctions.

Some, like the Roman procurator who sentenced Jesus to death, can’t seem to tell the difference between truth and lies. Pilate said, “What is truth?”

But in Revelation 21:8 the Scripture teaches that “all liars” will spend eternity in “the lake which burns with fire and brim-stone,” along with the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, and idolaters.

That puts liars in pretty bad company and affirms our premise that dishonesty doesn’t pay, here or hereafter.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 19, p. 5
October 3, 1996