The need for each partner to come out looking better than his mate causes him to mask his true inner person, and so entrenches him more firmly in his wretched hypocrisy. They thought alike, they had deep feelings for each other, and they made decisions that reflected their mutual care and concern. Phony spirituality is contagious. Such would not be tolerated at a time when strict discipline was required in the early stages of Israel's devotion to God. This question assumes that were not given a chance to repent. "[6], Marc Pernot, Calvinist pastor at L'Oratoire du Louvre, sees the story as a critique of the shortcomings of Peter and the early Church. And this is more inline with the New Covenant because God has already punished Jesus for all of our sins in Christ, and is no longer counting them against us. The profound charity among the believers seemed especially reverential. Jesus and the disciples go onto the Mount of Olives. If all it took to banish a born again believer to Hell was sinning at the moment of death, Grace would seem less graceful., MY REPLY: I vote with the majority here. As an example, Paul talks about those in 1 Cor 11 that had 'fallen asleep' (ie believers that had died) because of bring judgement upon themselves at the Lord's Supper. She gave everything. lovingkindness. But right now there is mercy in hope that people will turn to Christ. But they were to find that it can never be so. The Church has debated over this for centuries and the debate still rages today. Once in Christ, then again in us. Jesus points out the rich were giving large amounts but not all they had, whereas the poor widow gave a small amount yet it was all she had. They collaborated on a plan to stash some of the money from the sale of their property in a safety deposit box for themselves and take the rest to the apostles. Heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for this. Ananias means Jehovah is gracious, and God certainly had been gracious to him. Why do you not agree with Soul Salvation? It is those God has inwardly reformed to whom He has granted repentance. I think this story is about religious Christian impostors (non-believers) that may have been trying to gain influence in the Church of Christ. They wanted to be more than just members of the Body; they wanted to be prominent members of the Body. (Ephesians 6:5,6) Do not seek for any selfish gain out of your service: Put away all pretence and hypocrisy. I think God recognised their strategy and brought it to an abrupt end. Or Ananias and Sapphira, wanted recognition for an offering, rather than giving all. All very exciting and interesting. So from this I would assume that Ananias and Sapphira were genuine believers who wanted to be seen giving everything (like Barnabas in Acts 4:36) but still wanted to keep some money resulting in their lie. Again, it is not saying that they weren't saved anymore. Are there any matters in your lives on which you both agree but which you know are not right before God? Acts 5:7-10 Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Ananias' name means "God is Gracious"; and his wife Sapphira's name (from which we get the word "sapphire") means "Fair . The people in the early church who sold their possessions and gave the money to the church probably received the enthusiastic appreciation of the entire congregation. Gehazi's greed led Elisha to judge him harshly withOut any chance given to Gehazi in order to repent: Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you Jude does not hold back in his condemnation of these people and how they will face the intense judgment of God one day. Well the reality is that, while Christ paid the price for everyones sins, its only those who are in Christ that receive the benefit of that and are therefore safe from Gods judgment. 2 With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. In doing this I want to reinforce the New Covenant in peoples understanding that Christ is the propitiation for our sins, who was punished in our place so that we could be saved from Gods wrath and receive total forgiveness, justification, Gods righteousness and eternal peace between us and God. Somehow or other, Ananias could not summon up that gladness and that singleness of heart with which all the other contributors came up that day. It actually begins at the end of chapter 4 with the description of the early church in Jerusalem, a group of believers so filled with the Holy Spirit that they were of one heart and one mind. It is possible to fall from grace, but this is a drastic step and should not be equated with individual sins. It means that God did not judge believers for their sin. This form of hypocrisy has become a way of life in the church of Jesus Christ today, and may be the reason we are not making any greater impact on our godless society. The poor He associated with humility and reliance upon God and therefore able to have faith and receive the Kingdom. (Heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for this.). Will God extend his mercy on them? So who then could this group of the rest be that didnt dare join? This was all in a public place, just like it was in Acts 5. Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. His only thought was the need of other Christians and the glory of God. They could not help what other people thought, could they? Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? A large percent of Christianity can not see past the law and into grace and truth, particularly the older Christians, or those that are dominion based. Should faith and works be separated in salvation? But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wifes full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles feet (Acts 5:1, 2). I think they had an agenda to infiltrate the church and bring harm to the believers. [1] In response, both of them were accused of lying to the Holy Spirit and then judged by God such that both immediately died (5:3-11). Is all mankind free from their sins or only those in Christ? In Acts 5:9-11 why does Peter dispense immediate judgment? great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. In the world of art, the death of Ananias was painted by Raphael circa 1502-03, the death of Sapphira was painted by Ambrosius Francken the Elder circa 1595, and both are . Why are non-Western countries siding with China in the UN? The reason I believe they were indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. 5. We all sin despite our earnest desire not to do so (see Romans 7:14-25); but this affects our efforts toward SANCTIFICATION, not our secure state of JUSTIFICATION. If he thinks he is coming out on the short end, he quarrels and complains until he gets what he thinks he deserves. Reminds me of Saul, when rather than obedience. People who you'll probably never meet, this side of heaven. Which is really more important to usto maintain the appearance of spirituality, or genuinely to be what God wants us to be? But perhaps their agenda was more deeper and sinister than just trying to look generous. 9. [5], The Lutheran New Testament Professor Matthew L. Skinner claims the story is meant to be gallows humour. Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? What does God want you to do about them? It says: We see unbelievers and false believers in the church being threatened with judgement. The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also. And at once she fell down at his feet and died, P.S. feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. While the generosity of the previous passage stems from being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (4:31) where does Ananias and Sapphira: Saved or Lost? Debate/Discussion: Universal Salvation: True or False? Is Salvation only in the Mass? Is imputed righteousness a lie? The enemy wants to steal the glory and damage the testimony of a church or a revival. It then follows with the two examples (1 good and 1 not good) of people selling their property to give to the church. Is Water Baptism necessary for Salvation? Given the lack of definitive evidence, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation.). Thereafter, remains the final judgment upon resurrection. I believe I have figured this one out, and scripture gives us a very clear answer. Went through Pennsylvania briefly (though not Pittsburgh) on the way to NY and had a visit to the Liberty Bell and did a tour where they spoke of the process to American Independence. The Book of Acts records Pharisees trying to infiltrate the church. Those early Christians were not only one because of their position in Christ, but they were one in experience also. How can you avoid this tendency? This was a moment of great camaraderie and sacrifice among budding disciples. Luke suggests that every believer is responsible to God for what he or she does. 1. It was a special time for the church. I t is reasonable to believe that both Ananias and Sapphira were present in the prayer meeting described in Acts 4:31. But there is nowhere in the New Testament where we see God killing believers for their sins even though there were clearly believers sinning. He does not seem to act that way now. See again my book, Set Free!, pp. c. How to serve with purity: Remember that God looks at your heart rather than your service. Barnabas was one who sacrificed everything (Acts 4:36, 37). God used them to teach a lesson to the early church and even to believers today. Suppositions as to the eternal state of the two guilty persons are just that : suppositions. In the fourth chapter of Acts, the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles. Sins against the Holy Spirit are extremely grievous. We can probably deduce/infer that Gehazi being a servant to a Godly prophet should have known better because Gehazi is someone who is part of God's ministry. 4 & ch. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in Peter did not call down judgment from heaven as some have supposed. 12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. See chapter 4, Grace as a Double Cure, in my recent book on grace, Set Free! Peter asked her, Tell me whether you sold your land for so much? And she said, Yes, for so much. Then Peter said to her, How could you two have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Related Topics: Christian Home, Finance, Marriage, Richard L. Strauss authored nine books, and served as pastor of churches in Fort Worth, TX, Huntsville, AL. Why such a radical and drastic punishment on the spot? a leper as white as snow. Rather, John is saying that a continuing confession of the fact that we ARE SINNERS (i.e., a repentant heart) is part of what keeps us within the grace of God. Were Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received to from! 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