Simon the Sorcerer: Did He Lose Salvation? A Teaching on Eternal Security (OSAS)
Introduction
In Acts 8, we meet Simon the Sorcerer, a man who was previously engaged in occult practices but believed in the gospel message preached by Philip.
His story raises critical questions about eternal security (OSAS), with some suggesting that Simon lost his salvation after a rebuke by Peter.
However, a detailed examination reveals that Simon’s actions were not indicative of apostasy or the loss of salvation, but rather a reflection of spiritual immaturity and a misunderstanding of God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s power.
In this teaching, we will explore Simon’s journey through Scripture, showing how his example affirms the doctrine of eternal security and the ongoing need for spiritual growth.
I. Simon’s Belief and Baptism (Acts 8:9-13)
A. Simon’s Conversion:
Acts 8:13 states: “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.”
• Faith: Simon's belief is recorded as genuine. The verb "believed" (Greek: pisteuo) in Acts 8:13 indicates that Simon accepted the gospel message.
This type of belief aligns with the biblical doctrine of salvation by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
• Clarification: Genuine belief is the starting point of salvation, and it is by faith that one is justified (Romans 3:28).
Simon’s belief is not contingent on perfect understanding but on a heartfelt acceptance of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
B. Baptism:
Simon’s baptism was an outward sign of his internal transformation, affirming his identity as a new believer (Romans 6:4).
Baptism represents an initial step in the faith journey and is symbolic of the believer’s union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
• Spiritual Immaturity vs. Loss of Salvation: Simon’s subsequent actions demonstrate spiritual immaturity, not a lost salvation.
Immaturity is not a sign of apostasy, and even in sin, salvation is not lost because salvation is by faith, not works or understanding (Romans 8:1).
II. Simon’s Mistake: Seeking the Power of the Holy Spirit for Personal Gain (Acts 8:18-19)
A. Simon’s Desire for Power:
Acts 8:18-19 reads: “And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.”
• Pride and Misunderstanding: Simon’s request to buy the Holy Spirit's power shows a spiritual immaturity and a lack of understanding about God’s gifts.
Simon did not yet realize that the Holy Spirit is not to be manipulated or controlled for personal gain. His mistake was rooted in pride and self-exaltation (Matthew 23:11-12).
• The Holy Spirit's Role: The Holy Spirit’s gifts are for the glory of God and for the advancement of the kingdom, not for self-exaltation (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Simon's desire to control the Spirit reveals a deep misunderstanding of the nature of God’s power.
B. The Rebuke from Peter (Acts 8:20-23):
Peter rebukes Simon sharply: “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. … Repent therefore of this thy wickedness” (Acts 8:20-22).
• Spiritual Immaturity: Peter’s rebuke is strong because Simon’s request reflects pride and an immature view of the Holy Spirit’s work.
However, Peter does not suggest that Simon’s salvation was in danger, but that his actions were spiritually misguided.
• Restoration of Fellowship, Not Loss of Salvation: Peter’s call to repentance is not a threat to Simon’s eternal salvation but a call to spiritual maturity.
In the New Covenant, repentance is about restoring fellowship with God, not salvific loss (1 John 1:9).
Even believers who fall into sin can be restored and grow in spiritual maturity.
III. The Doctrine of Eternal Security: Why Simon Did Not Lose Salvation
A. Salvation by Faith Alone (Ephesians 2:8-9):
• Faith in Jesus: Simon's belief in Jesus is sufficient for salvation. Salvation is by faith alone, not by understanding or maturity (Romans 3:28).
Once saved, a believer's eternal security is sealed, regardless of spiritual immaturity or misunderstandings (Ephesians 1:13-14).
B. Assurance of Salvation (John 10:28-29, Romans 8:30):
• No One Can Snatch Us from His Hand: Jesus promises eternal security: "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
(John 10:28). Simon’s misunderstanding of the Holy Spirit does not void this promise.
• The Completed Work of Christ: Salvation is not dependent on a believer’s maturity, but on Christ’s finished work.
Once a person is saved by faith, their salvation is eternally secure (Romans 8:30).
C. Spiritual Immaturity vs. Loss of Salvation (Hebrews 12:6):
• Spiritual Growth Requires Discipline: Hebrews 12:6 reminds us that God’s discipline is for the believer’s growth, not condemnation.
The failure to understand spiritual truths or the abuse of spiritual gifts does not equate to apostasy.
Simon’s spiritual growth was stunted, but he was still a child of God who needed correction.
IV. Repentance and the Believer’s Ongoing Relationship with God
A. Repentance for Fellowship, Not Salvation:
• Ongoing Repentance: Repentance is essential for maintaining fellowship with God, not for salvation (1 John 1:9).
Simon’s call to repentance shows the need for spiritual growth and maturity, not an existential threat to his salvation.
• Spiritual Growth: Repentance is a part of the sanctification process.
All believers need correction and spiritual growth.
As long as a believer is willing to repent and seek restoration, their eternal security is never in jeopardy (Hebrews 12:6-11).
B. Eternal Security and Fellowship:
• Secure in Christ: Once saved, believers are always saved.
However, they are still called to grow in grace and maturity (2 Peter 3:18).
Spiritual growth is necessary, but it does not threaten our eternal security.
V. Simon’s Redemption and Spiritual Growth (Acts 8:24-25)
A. Simon’s Response to Peter’s Rebuke:
Simon’s prayer for Peter to intercede on his behalf (Acts 8:24) shows genuine remorse, indicating spiritual growth.
His willingness to seek prayer for his spiritual restoration indicates a heart that desires to obey and grow in the faith.
B. Spiritual Growth: A Process, Not a One-Time Event:
• Spiritual Maturity: Like all believers, Simon needed to grow in his understanding of God’s will.
His salvation was never in question; rather, his spiritual maturity was.
The Christian life is a process of discipleship and sanctification (Philippians 1:6, 2 Peter 3:18).
VI. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Believers’ Lives
A. The Holy Spirit Empowers Believers:
• Simon’s desire to control the Holy Spirit’s power reveals his misunderstanding of the Spirit’s role.
The Holy Spirit empowers believers for service (Acts 1:8), not for self-exaltation (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Spiritual immaturity often manifests in misuse of God’s gifts, but this does not mean a believer has lost their salvation.
B. The Holy Spirit Guides Believers into Truth:
• The Holy Spirit’s role is to convict, guide, and empower believers, leading them to greater obedience (John 16:13, Ephesians 4:13-15).
Simon needed to grow in his understanding of the Holy Spirit’s role, but that did not affect his salvation.
VII. Practical Application:
A. Eternal Security in Practice:
• Spiritual Immaturity: Simon’s story teaches us that immaturity does not equate to the loss of salvation.
Christians can struggle with sin, misunderstand God’s will, and be spiritually immature, but these do not result in losing eternal life (Romans 8:38-39).
Salvation is secure because it rests on faith in Christ, not on spiritual maturity.
B. Living Out Our Salvation:
• Spiritual Growth: Just as Simon needed spiritual maturity, so do we.
Repentance is part of sanctification and spiritual growth, but it does not threaten our eternal security.
Believers are secure in their salvation while growing in faith (John 10:28-29, Philippians 1:6).
Conclusion:
Simon the Sorcerer’s story does not suggest that he lost his salvation.
Rather, it highlights the reality of spiritual immaturity and the need for spiritual growth.
Eternal security is firmly grounded in faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross.
Simon's errors were about misunderstanding and pride, not about losing his salvation.
Repentance is necessary for fellowship and growth but does not affect our eternal security in Christ.
Final Thoughts:
The Christian journey is one of growth and spiritual maturity, as exemplified by Simon.
We, too, must recognize our need for correction and ongoing repentance, but never fear that these things will cost us our salvation.
Eternal security is ours, not because we are perfect but because Christ’s perfect work secures us forever (Romans 8:1).
Let us continue to grow in grace and walk in fellowship with God, knowing that He who began a good work in us will complete it (Philippians 1:6).