Once, I was watching a prominent Charismatic evangelist on a Christian network preach a message on salvation and healing. As he preached, I listened attentively. I thought, “He’s really doing a good job presenting the gospel.” Then, he gave the altar call. He said, “If you’re ready to receive from God, come now and sow your $1000 seed faith gift into our ministry.” I wish I could say that I was surprised, but I was not. This is all too common in contemporary Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. And frankly, it is appalling. Salvation and healing are the free gifts of God. Jesus paid it all!
Simon Magus was a notorious Samaritan magician who heard the preaching of Philip, believed on Christ and was baptized (Acts 8:13). Because of his preconversion experience in the magical arts, he was “constantly amazed” at the “signs and great miracles” that were taking place at the hands of the apostles and elders of the church. He was seduced by power and offered money to the apostles so that he might receive the power of the Spirit. Peter’s rebuke was harsh. “May your silver perish with you.” Previously, Peter had pronounced judgment upon Ananias and Sapphira because they had lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5). They died at the feet of Peter. Simon was offered the possibility of repentance, but was sternly warned of impending eternal destruction. Peter declared, “Your heart is not right before God.”