The Distance Between Heaven and Hell
Scripture: Acts 8:18-24 "But Peter said to him, 'May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.'"
Reflection: Simon the sorcerer heard the message. He even believed and was baptized. But when Peter looked at his heart, something was terribly wrong. Simon wanted spiritual power for selfish reasons. He thought he could buy what only God can give.
The distance between heaven and hell is about eighteen inches—the distance from head to heart. Simon had intellectual belief but no heart transformation. He attended, he participated, but his heart wasn't right with God.
This is the sobering warning that closes our series. Many will face eternal condemnation who rarely missed church. Hell will have preachers and deacons and faithful attenders who never truly surrendered their hearts to Jesus. It's not about what you do or don't do—it's about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Cowboy Wisdom: "A man can wear a hat, boots, and spurs, but that don't make him a cowboy. It's what's inside—the grit, the loyalty, the code he lives by—that counts. Same with being a Christian. It ain't the costume; it's the heart."
Out on the trail, you learn quick who's real and who's just playing dress-up. When trouble comes, pretenders show themselves. Simon looked like a believer, but his heart revealed the truth.
Questions for Reflection:
Have you moved the gospel from your head to your heart—or are you trusting in religious activities rather than in Christ alone?
What are you depending on for salvation: church attendance, good deeds, or the finished work of Jesus?
If you stood before God today, would you have any defense other than "Jesus saved me by His grace"?
Prayer Focus: Lord Jesus, search my heart. Show me if I'm trusting in anything other than Your grace. I don't want to be like Simon, looking like a believer but having a heart far from You. I confess that I cannot save myself through attendance, service, or good works. I need You. Save me by Your grace alone. Transform my heart, not just my behavior. I surrender completely to You. Amen.
