Simon the Sorcerer
Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
We see Simon believed was baptized and sealed by the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:14-25 14Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
Here is poor Simon with the old man(iniquity) still present looking to put on a show and offering money, the only things he knew.
20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
How many times have our hearts not been right in the sight of God?
 22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
That’s right all you great scholars, you can be saved and in the bond of iniquity! Speaking in tongues and still in bondage to the old man, Simon realizes his error and asks Peter to intercede for him. That’s repentance and humility, thinking that you are unworthy to approach His throne. Simon did not know the Word and had not yet been taught.
24Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. 25And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
I’ve heard people teach this and say Simon wasn’t saved, but the Word says he believed. Others said he lost his salvation. Hogwash! You can’t lose it. The call came from God not Peter or anyone else. He believed and I know many that believe and still falter. Thank God that salvation is not based on ability but on belief and His calling.
I have never saw grace taught so falsely as in these end times. Peter’s rebuke was divine influence upon Simon’s heart of belief. Him asking Peter to intercede for him was wisdom.
How many of us sometimes multiple times a day do we need that intercession and we have a complete version of the bible, unlike Simon.
James 5:16. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. READ CH. 5
Thank You Father for that cleansing blood of Your Son!