In Acts 8, we see a certain man named Simon (who before had bewitched the people with sorceries) wanting to pay for the Holy Ghost.
"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God." And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the Name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus). Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:5-17)
Peter's response to Simon who thought the gift of the Holy Ghost could be purchased with money was that his money would perish along with him for even thinking such a thought. Peter's summation was simple. He said, "I perceive that you are still in the bond of iniquity." Yes, there are still some things that even money can't buy. Salvation is one of them. Why? Because God does not require your money. The cattle on a thousand hills are His. So is all of the earth and its inhabitants.
But when it was written, that the love of money is the root of all evil, there was a message there. A lesson. It also offers a rationale as to why believers are admonished when giving. When giving, we are to give as unto the Lord, not grudgingly because we think we have to nor of necessity, but out of appreciation for all that God has given us. God loves a cheerful giver. Abraham, when met by the priest of the most high God, who brought nothing more than bread and wine to this meeting, blessed Abraham with these. The blessings were so sufficient. In fact, more than sufficient to suffice is the bread and wine, symbolical of the life of Jesus. Our salvation was purchased with the life and blood of God’s spirit manifested in the flesh.
Remember again the words of Peter. When asked for money, Peter said that "silver and gold I have none but what I do have, I give to you. In the name of Jesus (the Christ), rise up and walk." Note that our salvation was not purchased with silver and gold. Rather, you have been bought with a price. Therefore, we ought to glorify God in our mortal body, which is no longer our own. When we repent and are water baptized in the precious holy Name of the Lord Jesus, we become clothed in His righteousness. (Acts 2:36-41; Romans 6:3-4) We are now a habitation of God’s Spirit. The kingdom of God is not meat and drink. The kingdom of God is righteousness and joy and peace in His holy Spirit.
Paul made a very fitting statement that is equally applicable in today's society. After his departing, Paul said that grievous wolves would enter in among the flock of believers, not sparing the flock. Paul further states that even among your own selves shall men rise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves. Paul reminds the assembled elders that for three years he warned them, night and day with tears that this consequence would be forthcoming. In fact, Paul repeatedly warned that the elders should take care of the flock over which the Holy Ghost has made them overseers. He instructed the elders to feed the church of God, which He has purchased with His own blood.
"... men filled with the Holy Ghost and wisdom."
This is why we who believe are a new nation taken out of all nations. We enter into God’s salvation, where there is no preferential treatment. We enter into God's salvation regardless of gender, male or female, or whether we are in bondage or free in our personal circumstances. We enter into God's salvation regardless of whether we are Jew or Gentile. We are all one in Jesus. We are all members of the body of Christ church -- our glorious liberty purchased by Him who alone is worthy. When we enter into God's salvation, we become the inheritors of eternal life. This is the covenant I will make with them.
The early believers continued steadfastly in the teachings of the Holy Ghost, being delivered to us by those chosen by Him to be His witnesses to the uttermost part the earth. Delivering this gospel to a dying world really requires little or no money. It requires only that you and I testify concerning Him who loves us and now lives in our circumcised hearts. Let us therefore preach to the "whosoever" that the scriptures speak about in John 3:16. Freely you have received, and as a consequence, so likewise should you freely give.
Stand in the offering plate with Jesus.
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