MONDAY March 27, 2023

A False Confession of Christ

But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
Acts 8:12-13

Through Philip’s preaching, the people of Samaria heard the Word of God. Many came to know Jesus Christ. They were genuinely born again of God’s Holy Spirit. They were now able to discern that Simon the sorcerer was such a phony! However, when Simon heard and saw that miracles were happening, he decided to make a public confession. He believed and was baptized. He remained close to Philip to witness more of these miracles and signs. This is what attracted him to Christianity––miracles and wonders.

Simon said he believed the message Philip preached and even went as far as to be baptized in water. He put on a good pretense in front of everyone, but his heart was not right. Simon professed to be a Christian, but he was not. He had been used to doing sorcery with demonic power. Simon only wanted to join the Church so he could somehow see if there was a way he could learn to benefit from what he was witnessing.

Soon we shall see the evidence of Simon’s false profession of faith. Understand, believing in Christ is not enough. There has to be a true change of heart. Did you know that even demons believe that Jesus is the Son of God? (Matthew 8:29). Baptism does not save a person either.

It is always good to take an examination of your heart. Are you truly born again of God’s Holy Spirit? Are you a religious person attending church because of family tradition? Perhaps you have gone to church since your childhood. What needs to happen is true repentance––a turning away from your sin. In prayer, ask Jesus to forgive you of your sin, and then ask Him for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Lord knows very well that you cannot change your own heart and cannot cleanse your own nature. However, He also knows that He can do both . . . He can create you a second time. He can cause you to be born again.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!