Without piling up the evidence, we merely introduce the following:

Robertson, a Baptist writer, says: “The natural meaning of Peter’s language is that Simon was on the road to destruction” (Word Pictures, Vol. In a stinging rebuke, Peter informed him that, with such a disposition, he would “perish” (8:20). He attempted to bribe them so that he too could accomplish this feat. Subsequently, however, Simon became intrigued with the apostles’ ability to convey spiritual gifts by means of the imposition of their hands. His conversion is described in precisely the same language as those of his fellows in the city (cf. He heard the gospel and submitted to its conditions. Simon was a sorcerer who lived in Samaria. Though denominationalists dispute the matter, the New Testament is emphatic in asserting that a Christian can depart from the faith and become lost. It is a grim reality that there may be more lost people in our Sunday morning assemblies, who are identified as “members,” than there are those visiting with us – who have never obeyed the first principles of the gospel. Unfortunately, though, the Calvinistic dogma of “once-saved, always-saved,” has infected the religious world. It is truly a tragedy that so many Christian people labor under the illusion that it is impossible for them ever to be lost.

What does fall from grace mean