Replies

Acts 8:17 - 20
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.

As you can clearly see....well...at least I can. That the power of God can be used by men whom God has authorized to do so.

Nope. Wrong again. He was rebuked because he was TRYING TO BUY THE POWER!!!!

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YOU: Proclaiming yourself saved is blasphemy. It is supreme arrogance.

No, I am saved because I believe, and I shall endure to the end.

The supreme arrogance is that the LDS think that all their good works will get them to godhood. They mock God by thinking they can be like Him. Supreme arrogance is that they claim to be High Priests when CHRIST IS THE ONLY HIGH PRIEST, and the LDS usurp his position.

ping to above post.

[reaganaut]
Nope. Wrong again. He was rebuked because he was TRYING TO BUY THE POWER!!!!

mmmkay

Lets try something a little more simple.

Acts 8:18
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,

What does Simon see the Apostles doing?
Please use verse 17 as a hint if you need it.

And for extra credit... what power do the Apostles have that Simon is trying to buy?

Thank you so much for the ping to this sidebar discussion, dear sister in Christ!

On the first point, the power of God cannot be “used” by any man.

The conversion of Cornelius stands as an example. Peter’s testimony is so important it is repeated three times in Scripture (see below). Peter testifies that Cornelius and family were given the gift of the indwelling Spirit before he had laid his hands on them or baptized them or even finished telling them about Jesus Christ.

And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [he did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? – Acts 11:15-17

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? – Acts 10:44-47

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as [he did] unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. – Acts 15:1

And again (emphasis mine:):

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. – John 1:12-13

That God honors the laying on of hands in some cases does not mean that He will not do exactly His own will in every case. Man does not control God.

On the second point, it is not "arrogant" to believe God, to trust Him and know that we are saved:

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. - John 10:28-29

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. - Colossians 3:3

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39

Seems like it always comes down to "Who do you believe?"

Love God. Believe Him. Trust Him.