In this sermon Believing to the Saving of the Soul, we see that Peter and John came down and prayed for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Ghost.  There was at least one in the group who didn’t receive it; Simon the Sorcerer.  He offered money to receive the power to lay hands on people to receive the Holy Ghost.

Why didn’t Simon receive the Holy Ghost?  The baptism of the Holy Ghost cannot be given to someone who still follows sinful ways.  The Holy Ghost is given to those who turn from sin and wickedness. Simon was not right in his heart, and had not totally committed his life to Jesus.  Therefore, God rejected him.  God accepts those that fear him and work righteousness (Acts 10:35) Simon believed, but we do not have a record that he believed to the saving of his soul. If you are what you have always been, you are not a Christian.  A Christian is a new creation.