Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
This passage of scripture shows us that no one is outside the pale of God's grace and mercy, for Jesus Christ was manifested to save as many as would be saved. In this instance, a famous magician had listened to the preaching of Phillip, and for some reason had made his decision to accept the gospel, which he followed up on, by being baptized. The gospel is to be presented to all of earth's inhabitants, regardless of race, creed, or political and religious affiliation, and therefore the choice to accept or reject God's mercy through Christ, is left solely up to the individual. As Christians, we are not given the mandate to prevent anyone from being baptized, if the person says he or she believes, and gives evidence of the fact. Let's read:
Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying"... 7 "As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
In the instance of Simon's baptism, it is worthy of note that Phillip was filled with the Holy Ghost, yet God did not see fit to reveal the fact that the magician was not really sincere, to those who were baptizing the new converts, for sincerity and motive are not the arena of fallen human beings, who usually tend to look on the outward appearance. This man, regardless of his background, must also be given a chance to be saved, just like anyone else, for the grace of God which bringeth salvation must appear to all men.
The sifting process is to be done by God and His word, which will reveal the thoughts of the heart, and sooner or later, everyone will know whether a person is sincere or not. With Simon Magus, it was not long after revealed that he was not truly converted, and thus he was brought to the point of decision, of whether to stay or leave. Let's read:
Acts 8:18 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.
The reason why this particular incident is of very great importance, is because in the last days of earth's history, when the entire earth will be lightened with the glory of God, many different people of different former beliefs and persuasions will be coming to a knowledge of the truth, and we are not to prevent anyone from being accepted into the family of God, even if they have a questionable past. What is worthy of note in the book of acts is that many of those who once believed and practiced voodoo and Santeria, were also converted, and went on to become faithful members of the family of God, for they gave evidence of their conversion by their works.
Now, if these true converts had been blocked by the door because of their former beliefs and practice, many potential sons and daughters of God would have been lost, and the triumphs of the cross would have been laid in the dust, with satan and his hosts rejoicing and cheering on. But under the direction of The same Holy Ghost, this was not to take place, for as stated before, sincerity and motive remains God's domain, and is never to be interfered with or judged by mortal man. The evidence of this fact was made plain when very many of the magician's former supporters, turned their lives over to Christ, and according to the scriptures, every one of them who remained faithful will also be saved in God's kingdom when Christ comes. Let's read:
Acts 8:12 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. 14 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: 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
In our day we need to exercise great caution in the way that we view other members of the human family, for their previous experiences should never factor in to their conversion, if they confess The Lord Jesus, and give evidence of their faith. Furthermore, many of us who now walk with Christ were also involved in sorcery and magic, just like Simon Magus and his followers, yet the Lord did not prevent us from having a seat at the welcome table. Some of us were ardent Harry Potter fans, and others attended many horror movies, all of which are byproducts of magic, either directly or in directly, yet through the grace and power of God, we were made whole.
Then isn't it not right and fitting that the same mercy that was extended to us, be now offered to our fellowmen, many of whom have indulged in these dark arts ignorantly? The power of God is able to break every spell, and loose every chain, and thus it should be a moment of great rejoicing for us, when we see Christ invading the kingdom of darkness and setting the captives free. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to harbor the right attitude toward the conversion of our fellowmen, and let God do the sifting, for the work of salvation has been provided for everyone who believes. Let's read:
Romans 10:8 "The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!