|
In Acts 8 we are
told that the disciples were scattered from Jerusalem. Philip, one of the
seven chosen in Acts 6:5 to feed the Grecian widows in Jerusalem, went to
Samaria, a city about 40 miles north of Jerusalem, and preached there (verse
5). Jesus had promised that those preaching the gospel before the New
Testament was written down could perform miracles to show God was with them,
and their message came from God (Mark 16:17,18). As a result a great
multitude believed Philip and were baptized (Acts 8:12).
A sorcerer by
the name of Simon also believed and was baptized (Acts 8:13). The Apostles
Peter and John were sent to Samaria to lay hands on people so others would
receive the same power of the Holy Spirit that Philip had (verses 14-17).
When Simon saw this he tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit held only
by the apostles (verses 18,19). Peter rebuked him sharply for thinking he
could buy the gift of God with money (verses 20,21). Then Peter told Simon
what to do (verses 22, 23) to be restored to the favor of God: repent and
pray to God. Simon asked Peter to pray for him (verse 24). Here is an
example of a Christian sinning, and being restored to the favor of God. He
repented, turned away from his sin, and asked Peter to pray for him.
The Apostle
John writes in 1 John 1:8,9, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive
ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.” Christians do not live perfect lives, but they live
forgiven lives. When they sin they get the forgiveness of their sins by
repenting, or turning away from their sins. By confessing them to God, and
then praying to be forgiven of their sins. We need to do those things each
time we sin, and we will live with all of our sins forgiven. In Hebrews
12:15 we are told, “Looking carefully lest there be any man that falls short
of the grace of God.” He will do that and not be acceptable to God if he
fails to repent, confess the sin, and pray for God’s forgiveness.
When we were
baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3) God gives us His grace in Christ (1
Corinthians 1:4) at the same time He forgives us (Ephesians 2:8). Paul warns
us that we can fall from grace (Galatians 5:4). The Bible warns us that some
would fall away (1 Timothy 4:1). Paul mentions that Hymenaeus and Alexander
were two who did (1 Timothy 1:20).
Of Christians
who fall away some are restored, and some are not restored. I have tried to
make sure that I repented of all the sins I have committed since I became a
Christian. That way I put my sins behind me and continue my pathway to
heaven (2 Peter 1:11). Great happiness continues with me until I meet my
Lord face to face!
Harvey
Childress, servant of Jesus Christ |
Harvey Childress |
