Forgiveness, Genesis 4:6-7, 2 Samuel 12:13, Acts 8

This post concerns forgiveness of sin for three people.

Forgiveness highlights sin by three individuals and what they did. Cain, King David, and Simon the Sorcerer all sinned. Cain was angry when his unauthorized offering was unaccepted by God and subsequently murdered his brother. God explained, Genesis 4:6-7. “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”

Thus, the first thing to gain forgiveness of sin involves recognition of the sin. ‘Doing well’ equals obeying God exactly. Cain did not and brought forth a generation that did not obey God and met death in the flood.

King David fell into adultery and murder. The prophet Nathan described the sin. David confessed, 2 Samuel 12:13. “I have sinned against the LORD.” Note that not only did David confess, but he also recognized that his sin, like all sin, represents something ‘against the Lord.’

So, confession and self-realization of sin comprise the proper response to sin.

The evangelist Philip went to the Samaritans, did miracles, and preached Christ. Baptism followed after they believed.

Before Philip arrived, a trickster, Simon, had claimed the power of God. Everyone had paid attention to him.

Thus, Simon would know the tricks of magic and would have quickly recognized a real miracle. He listened, Acts 8:13. “Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.”

Two Apostles came and laid hands on some, who could then do miracles. This shows that only apostles could pass on the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Then, Simon offered money to have this power. Peter said ‘no’ and that he was in sin and had no part of this gift. Peter admonished him to repent and pray.

Therefore, the solution for a baptized believer in sin equals repentance and prayer.

Thus, Christians today in sin need to recognize their sin, repent, and pray.

So, what did we learn?

1. After the Samaritans believed, baptism followed.

2.The apostles gave out the Holy Spirit.

3.Christians in sin must repent and pray for forgiveness.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

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