Atos 8

Atos 8

Ryle wrote about baptism over a hundred years ago: I am aware that many do not admit the truth of what I have just said. Some tell us that all baptized people are members of Christ by virtue of their baptism. Others tell us that where there is a head knowledge we have no right to question a person’s interest in Christ. To these views I have only one plain answer. The Bible forbids us to say that any man is joined to Christ until he believes. Baptism is no proof that we are joined to Christ. Simon Magus was baptized, and yet was distinctly told that he had “no part or lot in this matter” (Acts 8:21). Head knowledge is no proof that we are joined to Christ. The devils know Christ well enough, but have no portion in Him. God knows, no doubt, who are His from all eternity. But man knows nothing of anyone’s justification until he believes. The grand question is: “Do we believe?” It is written, “He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” “He that believeth not shall be damned” (John 3:36; Mark 16:16). If Bible words mean anything, to be without faith is to be “without Christ.” Related Resources: Is baptism necessary for salvation? What is the symbolism of water baptism? Does the Bible teach believer's baptism/credobaptism? Does Acts 2:38 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? Does Galatians 3:27 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? Does Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? Does 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? Does John 3:5 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? Does Acts 22:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? What is the Catholic understanding of baptism? What does the Bible say about infant baptism / paedobaptism? What is the proper mode of baptism? What is the origin of baptism? He continued on with Philip - One might say this is Simon's "fruit" that demonstrates that he had a real root, that he was a genuine believer. However if that is the case, then Judas Iscariot would be classified as a genuine believer because he followed Jesus for three years! Simon's following of Philip is not evidence of genuine belief. And notice what Luke says captivated Simon's attention and amazed him -- not the unequaled miracle of spiritually dead souls made alive in Christ by grace through faith, but the miracles performed by Philip. Luke uses a "strange" verb to describe Simon continued on with Philip - The verb is proskartereo which describes a steadfast single-minded fidelity to a certain course of action. Luke has used proskartereo 4 times (Acts 1:14, 2:42, 2:46, 6:4), referring to the devotion of believers to prayer and various forms of mutual ministry. The use of this verb to describe Simon following Philip is unusual. And as he observed signs and great miracles taking place - Observed is theoreo (present tense; English = theater,) which describes Simon as continually observing the signs and miracles with sustained attention much as a spectator would at an athletic event.