Innocent or Guilty?

Intro

In a court room, you will find a number of different things. There is usually a crowd of people, a judge, a jury, lawyers, plaintiffs, and defendants. They are all there to settle a matter or a case.

This morning, I want to turn this room into a court room. Before us this morning are two defendants, both facing the same charge, judged by the same law, and provided the same opportunity for acquittal. Before I introduce you to the defendants, allow me to read to you the law by which they will be judged and the means by which they can be acquitted.

The law in which they will be judged is the law of God. This law is perfect. The One who created the law is Himself perfect, without spot or blemish. Therefore, the only way a person can successfully be acquitted when being tried according to this perfect law is if they themselves are perfect. As you probably already determined in your head, this is absolutely impossible. And right you are. This judge, God, has already stated His charge against all of humanity by saying,

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23)“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23)

As you may have heard in the second verse that was read, God said that the wages of sin is death. This is physical death and spiritual death. The spiritual death is separation from God for all eternity in a place the Bible refers to as Hell. It is a place where all the guilty will spend eternity and a place of unimaginable torment.

However, directly following the sentence of physical and eternal death, that is pronounced by God, is a means of acquittal, the gift of God. The gift of God is Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect, sinless life, died on the cross for the sins of the world, was buried, then according to the Bible, He arose from the grave three days later. He conquered sin and death. This is referred to as the good news or the Gospel, and that it is. When you take into consideration the bad news, that because of sin, all stand guilty before the Great Judge, God Almighty, the fact that Jesus died to be your substitute and mine, is in fact good news. All those who place their trust in what Christ did for them on the cross will receive His sinless perfection, also referred to as His righteousness. The righteousness of Jesus Christ is transferred to the person who trusts in Him and only in Him for the salvation of their souls and the forgiveness of their sins. So even though everyone is guilty of sin and blemished by sin, by agreeing with God that you have sinned against Him and His perfect law, and trusting in Christ to remove your sins and be clothed with His righteousness, you can be forgiven and be acquitted from the punishment that you rightly deserve and will face.

Now that I read to you the law by which these two men will be judged, God’s perfect law, and the means of acquittal, trusting in Jesus Christ alone, let me introduce you to the two men.

The two individuals I bring before you this morning we will find in Acts 8. The first individual is found in verses 5-24, his name is Simon. The second man is found in verses 25-40, we don’t know his name but we do know that he is an Ethiopian eunuch, or an official of Queen Candace of Ethiopia. Now that I’ve introduced them to you, let’s look at each of their “case.”

Let’s begin by reading Acts 8:5-6, 9-13 (READ)

I. The Message Preached

As this account unfolds, we are told by Luke, the author of the book of Acts, that Saul of Tarsus was persecuting the church, literally making havoc on the church, specifically here, the church in Jerusalem, and as a result, Christians were scattering. As they scattered, they took the Gospel of Jesus Christ and preached it wherever they fled to. A man by the name of Philip is one of the individuals who fled Jerusalem during this time. If you’ll look at verse 5, it tells us that he was in Samaria and that he was preaching Christ unto them.

If you continue to look with me at verse 6, I want you to notice that the people of Samaria listened to what Philip was preaching. The content of Philip’s message was precisely what I told you in the introduction. Now, I don’t want to belabor the point but we need to really pay close attention to what the message was. It says here that Philip preached Christ. That is, he preached about how Jesus Christ was born of a virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, then He was nailed to a cross for a crime He did not commit, He died, was buried, but then three days later arose from the grave. Now, this is a message that has drawn the attention of millions of people throughout the years. It has drawn the attention of scoffers, skeptics, those who are searching, and those who are saved. And by the way, you fall into one of those categories this morning - you’re either a scoffer, a skeptic, a searcher, or you are saved. You see, the gospel of Christ, although it occurred many years ago, is a timeless truth that deserves to be heard. The fact that man is a sinner and will be held accountable one day for that sin should stop them in their steps. Oh, but the sad reality is that many waltz around just frolicking in their sin, and don’t even think twice about their sin against God. That we will stand before a holy, righteous Judge one day, should cause us to quiver in our shoes. The people of Samaria on this day, “gave heed” or, in other words, they listened to what Philip had to say. I hope that you are listening just as they did, because as we dive deeper into this case, we’re going to see that the verdict will one day be read by the judge and at that point, it will be too late to be acquitted.

Prior to Philip coming to Samaria, verses 9-11 tell us that the people were under the false teaching and seduction of Simon. But, when Philip came, he began to preach the one true message, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So, the people of Samaria heard that message preached, but look now at verses 12-13. (READ)

Simon

I want you to notice that not only did the people of Samaria listen, but so did Simon. Simon was an interesting man. From what we know, he was involved in some sort of magic or witchcraft. He apparently impressed the people of Samaria with his magical arts. People looked at what Simon could do and attributed it to being empowered by God. Although he was impressive in his own way, he was not a believer. This tells us that there are people who can fool others into thinking that what they do is a result of God’s blessing and empowerment, but as we will see, this is not true of Simon.

Now, jump on down to verse 25 as we look at the second individual this morning. I want you to pay close attention to verses 28-35 (READ vv. 25-35)

This Ethiopian eunuch that we just read about was returning to Gaza after coming to Jerusalem to worship. Now let’s think about this a minute. We just read that people were scattering from Jerusalem because Saul was persecuting the Christians. So, what was he worshipping? Well, he was either a Jewish man or just a religious man. Regardless of what he was, this tells us that you can be worshipping God in your own way and still be lost. Coming to church will not save you. Reading a Bible will not save you. Singing hymns will not save you. Tithing will not save you. It doesn’t matter what your bank account looks like it, it doesn’t matter what your resume looks like, it matters what your heart looks like.

This eunuch was reading from the book of Isaiah when Philip approached his chariot. Look at verses 30-33, the man was reading from Isaiah 53, but did not understand what he was reading. So, just like Philip did in Samaria, he preached Christ to this eunuch.

If you will, turn with me to the book of Isaiah, chapter 53. (READ ALL)

Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you paid close attention to what was just read. This account is describing an event that would occur over 700 years after this was written. What Isaiah wrote about, under the direction of God, was about the scourging, persecution, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is what the Ethiopian eunuch was reading about and was so perplexed about. When Philip asked him “do you understand what you’re reading?” in verse 30, he replied, “How can I, except some man should guide me. And he invited Philip to come sit with him and explain it to him.” Why did he need Philip to explain things to him? I’ll tell you why. 1 Corinthians 2:14 tells us,

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Then in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, we read,

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

Let me tell you what this means. If you are here this morning and you have never placed your trust in Christ, you cannot understand the things of God and you cannot come to God on your own terms and in your own time. This is not because you have a low IQ, but for you to be saved from your sins is a spiritual act and requires spiritual means. The Holy Spirit of God works in your heart and convicts you. If you have said in the past or are saying right now, “Oh I get what you say and I think it's important, but I’m going to make that decision later on.” Friend, let me tell you this, you may not have a later on. Today may be the last time the Holy Spirit does a work in your heart. It’s best to respond while He is at work.

As Philip explained Isaiah 53 to the eunuch, look at Acts 8:35, he preached Christ unto him. So, both Simon and the eunuch heard the same message preached, the Gospel of Jesus Christ - that Christ died on the cross for your sins, was buried, but rose again. Let’s look secondly at how they both believed.

II. Belief in the Message

Look at verses 13-24 (READ)

Simon heard the message that was preached and verse 13 tells us that Simon believed and was baptized. If you look at verse 12, we read that the people of Samaria believed as well and they too were baptized. Now as we keep reading, it is clear that the belief that the people of Samaria had was different than the belief of Simon. To believe can mean a number of things. For example, it can mean to have faith or trust in, which essentially means to believe to the extent of complete trust. However, it can also mean simply to think to be true. We see both examples here in this text. There is an intentional belief that results in trust, and there is a belief that is nothing more than intellectual.

ILLUST: Later on in the NT, James writes in James 2:19, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”

You see, you can believe something intellectually but it not really mean a thing to you. That’s what is so interesting and scary about Simon’s belief is that it says he believed and continued with Philip.

So, for a period of time, Simon seemingly had Philip fooled. However, the reality of his superficial belief surfaced in verses 14-24.

Because of the history of the Samaritan people’s belief system, the apostles Peter and John made their way to Samaria when they heard people were being saved. They essentially were verifying that people were truly placing their trust in Jesus Christ and in nothing else. After this was confirmed, the apostles laid their hands on the people and they received the Holy Spirit. There was no specific power in laying their hands on the people, it was basically a symbol of blessing, or a symbol of commission and authority. Now, this is not something that we see throughout the NT, in regards to the Holy Spirit entering into the life of a new believer. Again, it was due to the belief system that the Samaritans had, that led to this filtering out or checks and balance system to be in place. We find out why Peter and John did this when we look at Simon. Look at verses 18-19. Simon saw Peter and John laying their hands on people and as a result, them receiving the Holy Spirit. He too wanted to be able to do such a thing. So, he offered money to be able to do it. This reveals to us the insincerity of Simon’s belief. He was already known for his witchcraft, but he undoubtedly wanted to add something else to his repertoire. There was no true change of heart.

You may be able to fool a pastor or other Christians into thinking that you are truly saved, but you can never fool God. In addition, if you never truly trusted in Christ, it will one day come to the surface, either in this life or when you stand before Him.

ILLUST: One of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ fit this description perfectly. His name was Judas Iscariot. Judas walked with Christ and the other disciples for 3 years, then one night, his true colors showed.

There has always been people like this and there is a likelihood that there may be one or more like that here this morning. There are those who come to church and sit in a seat week after week. They’re here for Sunday School and the morning service. They even eat lunch downstairs and stay for the afternoon service. They identify themselves as a Christian and maybe even affiliate themselves with the church. However, they never trusted in Christ, they are simply going through the motions. True saving belief is always accompanied by life-change. Listen to me, if you say that there was a time in your life in the past that you supposedly trusted in Christ but there is no change in your life today, according to the Bible, you need to check yourself because you were never truly saved. When you’re saved, the Holy Spirit of God enters into your life. That means the very nature of God lives within you. This brings change into your life. Period. It affects your mind, your will, and your emotions. Don’t play games based upon some decision you said you’ve made in the past. Get it right today!

Simon’s belief was simply intellectual and his decision was unintentional. He had selfish reasons behind his so-called belief in Christ. The result? It wasn’t true saving belief. But, the eunuch, on the other hand, believed differently. Look at verses 36-38.

The eunuch had a sincere desire to be baptized. What led to this desire? Well, it was the fact that he embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Look at verse 37,

“And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

You see, the eunuch recognized his great need for the power of God to save Him. Simon, on the other hand, wanted to use the power of God to fit his own agenda. This brings us to the verdict.

III. The Verdict

I told you at the beginning of this message that as we dive deeper into this case, we’re going to see that the verdict will one day be read by the judge and at that point, it will be too late to be acquitted. So, based on what this passage says, Simon had the opportunity to place his trust in Christ, but neglected to do so. How can we be sure of this? Look at verses 20-24. Peter said, “thy money perish with thee.” (v. 20) Then, in v. 21, Peter said, “Thou has neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.” Then in verse 22 Peter tells him to repent. The word repent is typically used when addressing lost people. In verse 24, Simon asked Peter to “Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.” What a sad reality for Simon. He had every opportunity to trust in Christ, but he failed to do so. History tells us that he lived the rest of his life the way he wanted to, eventually dying in his sins. The second-century Christian writer Justin Martyr, who was himself a Samaritan, represents Simon as empowered by demons to perform magic and as later honoured in Rome as a god (Apol. 1:26; cf. 56; Trypho 120.6). Irenaeus (Against Heresies 1.23) describes him as the founder of the sect of the Simonians and the founder of the Gnostic heresies. Gnosticism basically teaches that those who are truly devoted to gnosticism have gained some kind of spiritual enlightenment, through which they had attained a secret or higher level of knowledge not accessible to the uninitiated. It taught that a person gained salvation not by the merit of Christ’s death for sinners, but by one’s effort in a self-attained program of steps leading to the knowledge of God. Hippolytus, another writer about heresies, tells a nice story about how Simon was worsted in a disputation with Peter. At last Simon said ‘that if he were buried alive he would rise again on the third day. Commanding a grave to be dug, he ordered his disciples to heap earth upon him. They did as he commanded, but he remained in it until this day.

The eunuch, however, went on his way rejoicing. Why? Because he placed his trust in Christ and on that day was forgiven of his sins and Heaven-bound. I want you to mentally file this verse away in your mind. Jesus said in John 3:18, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Simon did not believe, and so he remained condemned. The eunuch believed and was no longer condemned.

Close

We’ve examined two people this morning, one who was guilty and the other, innocent. Even though the text says that both believed, it is clear that there is a belief that saves and a belief that condemns. Both individuals eventually died and on that day they stood before the real Judge, God, and were given their sentence. Simon was sentenced to Hell and the Ethiopian eunuch was sentenced to Heaven. There is coming a day when everyone in this room will stand before God and be given a sentence. So, my question to you is, “What will be your sentence?” Will you be acquitted because you placed your trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Or, will you be guilty because you have not trusted in Christ and died in your sins?

I want you to remember that if you are contemplating all of this and think in the slightest sense that you’re not prepared to stand before God, that you need to respond while the Holy Spirit is stirring your heart. You cannot come to God in your own time and on your own terms. It is only as He works in you and draws you, that you are able to respond.

Let’s bow our heads for just a moment. Now, I’ve given you the Gospel today. Every time the Gospel was given in the Bible, there was a call to respond. That’s why right now, I’m going to ask you, that if you’re uncertain today that you will be innocent when you stand before God, lift up your hand. I want to help you leave here today being absolutely certain that your sins are forgiven and that you will be sentenced to eternal life in Heaven.

If you have questions, that’s fine, let’s talk about it. We can setup a time to talk or what’s even better is if we talk about it today. See, it's better to talk while the Holy Spirit is working in your heart. It is a proven fact that when you leave here, the busyness of life will often times prevent you from thinking about this any more. If you have questions, let’s talk. So, if you are uncertain of your salvation, you know you need to be saved, or you have questions, raise your hand.