Jul
29
Written by:
Bob Flynn
7/29/2008 3:43 PM
There are a great many in this world who possess a faith which is so similar to a genuine saving faith that they themselves are deceived.
There are a great many in this world who possess a faith which is so similar to a genuine saving faith that they themselves are deceived. Those around them may also consider this faith genuine even those who may have the gift of discernment. There was a man named Simon Magus.
"Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed." (Acts 8:13 NLT).
His faith expressed itself in such a way that is was mistaken by Philip who considered him to be a Christian. But subsequently the Apostle Peter said:
"You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God… for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin." (Acts 8:21, 23 NLT).
Arthur W. Pink, Practical Christianity (paraphrase mine)