Salvation: A Heart Transformation Or A Head Transaction

2. He claimed to be “someone” - giving out that himself was some great one

a. He was full of pride

b. He thought he was it, and that there was none better than he

3. He had the people fooled, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

a. At the very least people thought he was a special envoy from God and at the other end of the spectrum some may have even thought he was god

b. To which he did not argue!

4. He had great influence and control of people - [11] And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

BUT, we see a change – possibly a heart transformation

B. His New Self – [12] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. [13] Then Simon himself believed also:

1. Miracles never cease when the name of Jesus is preached along with the gospel of the kingdom.

a. Having seen the miracles and hearing the message many were coming to a saving knowledge in Jesus and being baptized

b. Along with the multitude was this one Simon – known as the sorcerer.

c. He believed

2. He followed through on his profession of faith

a. He was baptized – an initial step of faith and obedience

b. He continued with Philip, and therefore with many other believers – he did not forsake the assembling of themselves together and was not afraid to be associated with them.

c. He was filled with wonder over the miracles and signs that were being performed

C. At this point one would have to say that there was seemingly a transformation of the heart – there is absolutely no reason to believe otherwise.

1. Simon was saying and doing all the right things

2. It seemed to be a genuine conversion – that is a heart transformation!

Now lets move forward in the account and see possibly

II. A HEAD TRANSACTION, Acts 8:14-24 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: [15] Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: [16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) [17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. [18] And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, [19] Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. [20] But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. [21] Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. [22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. [23] For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. [24] Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. We begin with a