"And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost."
Simon has used sorcery and bewitched people and had a following which thought he had the power of God. He didn't, it was from Satan. Then when he heard the word he was converted to Jesus Christ. Yet, when he saw Peter and John through the laying on hands give the Holy Ghost he wanted to buy this power.
I can understand how Simon new in his faith would not understand the workings of the spirit and the power of Satan. He quickly understood as Peter and John told him how his heart was not right in the sight of God. All this made me think of a chapter in "Gospel Principles" that is needful, especially for new converts and those returning in fellowship in the church.
Satan Imitates the Gifts of the Spirit
"Satan can imitate the gifts of tongues, prophecy, visions, healings, and other miracles. Moses had to compete with Satan's imitations in Pharaoh's court. Satan wants us to believe in his false prophets, false healers, and false miracle workers. They may appear to be so real to us that the only way to know is to ask God for the gift of discernment. The devil himself can appear as an angel of light.
Satan wants to blind us to the truth and keep us from seeking the true gifts of the Spirit. Mediums, astrologers, fortune tellers, and sorcerers are inspired by Satan even if they claim to follow God. Their works are abominable to the Lord. We should avoid all associations with the powers of Satan."
(Gospel Principles, Chapter 22, "The Gifts of the Spirit")
Day 1599
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