Is Baptism Required for Salvation? What Acts 8 Really Says

B18L12 Can you be baptized, make a profession of faith, and still not be saved? Acts 8 reveals the shocking truth through Simon the Sorcerer — and it changes everything. ✝️ In this verse-by-verse study of Acts 8:12-25, Les Feldick walks through one of the most revealing passages in the New Testament. Philip preaches in Samaria, the Samaritans believe and are baptized, and then Peter and John arrive from Jerusalem to lay hands on them so they receive the Holy Spirit. But why did God withhold the Holy Spirit until Jerusalem's apostles came? The answer goes all the way back to Israel's divided kingdom and Mount Gerizim — and it proves that Jerusalem was God's headquarters for dealing with Israel. 📖 Key Topics Covered: • Why did the Samaritans not receive the Holy Spirit until Peter and John arrived? (Acts 8:14-17) • Was Simon the Sorcerer truly saved? What his offer to buy the Holy Spirit reveals • Is baptism required for salvation? The finished work of the cross explained • Romans 10:9-13 — What it really means to believe "with the heart" • The difference between head knowledge and heart belief in salvation • "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" — Romans 10:13 unpacked • Why Peter and John returned to Jerusalem instead of continuing to the Gentiles 🔑 Acts 8 Holy Spirit Samaritans, Simon Magus false believer Acts 8, is baptism required for salvation Bible study, Romans 10:9-13 explained verse by verse, heart belief vs head knowledge salvation, Peter and John laying on of hands Holy Spirit, Samaritan woman at the well John 4. Les Feldick Bible Study brings you verse-by-verse Bible teaching that makes the scriptures come alive. Whether you're a new believer or have studied the Bible for decades, these teachings will deepen your understanding of God's Word. Les Feldick has a unique gift for explaining complex biblical concepts in a way that anyone can understand, using scripture to interpret scripture. 📖 Visit our website: www.lesfeldickbiblestudy.com If this study blessed you, please LIKE the video and SHARE it with someone who needs to hear this teaching. Your likes and shares help others find these Bible studies. 00:00 — Welcome to Through the Bible with Les Feldick 00:29 — Program Introduction & Taping Format Explained 02:07 — Acts 8:12 — Philip Preaches in Samaria: The Kingdom of God & Jesus Christ 02:52 — Did Philip Preach Death, Burial & Resurrection? The Gospel Distinction 03:34 — Baptism in Samaria — Was It Required for Salvation? 03:57 — Baptism Is NOT Part of Salvation — The Finished Work of the Cross 05:02 — Simon the Sorcerer "Believes" and Is Baptized — Acts 8:13 05:33 — Simon Majors on Signs & Miracles, Not the Person of Christ 05:57 — Was Simon the Sorcerer a True Believer? No — Here's Why 06:08 — Acts 8:14 — Peter and John Sent from Jerusalem to Samaria 07:00 — Acts 8:15-16 — Why Hadn't the Samaritans Received the Holy Spirit? 07:36 — Peter & John Lay Hands on Samaritans — They Receive the Holy Spirit 08:01 — Why God Withheld the Holy Spirit: Jerusalem as God's Headquarters 08:15 — Cross-Reference: John 4 — Jesus and the Woman at the Well 09:47 — Mount Gerizim vs. Jerusalem — Israel's Divided Kingdom Explained 10:39 — The New Testament Church Has No Earthly Headquarters 11:19 — Why the Samaritans Needed Jerusalem's Apostles to Receive the Spirit 12:19 — Simon Sees the Power and Offers Money — Acts 8:18-19 13:19 — Peter Rebukes Simon: "Thy Money Perish with Thee" — Acts 8:20 14:06 — Simon's Empty Profession — Millions Do the Same Today 15:11 — Peter Exposes Simon: "Thy Heart Is Not Right in the Sight of God" 15:45 — Cross-Reference: Romans 10 — Believing with the Heart unto Salvation 16:47 — Romans 10:9 — If You Believe with All Your Heart, Thou Shalt Be Saved 17:35 — Romans 10:10 — Heart Belief vs. Head Knowledge 18:23 — Simon Couldn't Believe in His Heart — Back to Acts 8 18:39 — Acts 8:22 — Peter Tells Simon to Repent; Simon's Likely Fate: Gnosticism 19:49 — "Gall of Bitterness and Bond of Iniquity" — Not the Description of a Believer 20:53 — Romans 10:11-13 — No Difference Between Jew and Greek 22:15 — Romans 3:23-24 — All Have Sinned; Calling Upon the Lord 23:05 — The Lifeguard Illustration — God Hears Every Feeble Cry for Salvation 25:00 — Overcoming Doubt After Salvation — What to Do When Satan Attacks 26:39 — Acts 8:24-25 — Simon's Response; Peter & John Return to Jerusalem 27:11 — Why Peter and John Returned to Jerusalem — No Ministry to Gentiles Yet 27:36 — Closing & Contact Information