Repentance

Acts chapter 8 tells of the ministry of Philip in Samaria. Peter and John would soon join them in this fresh move of God in this place. During the preaching and teaching of Jesus many were saved including a “sorcerer” named Simon.

Verse 13 lets us know that Simon had in fact become a believer. “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized he continued with Philip.”

However it wouldn’t be long that Simon would desire the gifts of the Spirit not for the edifying of Christ but for his own gain. He even offers to purchase such power. Peter quickly rebukes him with a prophetic curse, verse 20 “Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.”

It is clear that this man who not long ago had called on the name of the Lord for the saving of his soul, had now allowed his heart to return to sin. And while some want to point fingers at Simon for his foolishness, but the reality is that he is not the first to allow sin back in their life.

As quickly as Peter accused him of this sin he also declared the message of restoration. Verse 22 “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.”

The Word of God graciously over and over reveals to us the message of repentance. We see it in the lives of many individuals in the Bible that because of sin, they have had to come back and repent.

Praise God for his grace and mercy that allows us to repent and be restored. Isaiah 57:18 I have seen his ways and will heal him: I will lead him also and restore comforts unto him… He is the God of Restoration!