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NASB | Mark 16:16 "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Mark 16:16 "He who has believed [in Me] and has been baptized will be saved [from the penalty of God's wrath and judgment]; but he who has not believed will be condemned. |
Bible Question:
When Mark 16:16 says: "Those who believe and are baptized will be saved...", to "what" exactly is Jesus referring to? In context, it appears to be "The Good News". However, many people I've heard state that it means to believe in Jesus as the Son. And another question: Mark 16:17 "And those who believe shall use my authority to cast out demons, and they shall speak in tongues. 18...They will be able even to handle snakes with safety , and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them; and they will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them." Concerning to whom Jesus is speaking? Is he speaking to the disciples only, just those in his presense? Or, does he mean, as the text suggests, that ALL believers be able to do all of the things? How to understand all of this? It appears that if a person believes, then he should be able to drink poison and not be affected? Treadway |
Bible Answer: hello Treadway, hope i can shed some light. Mark 16:16 can be understood if you read the context of the passage, starting from Mark 16:9 to Mark 16:15. The passages simply states that, Jesus is risen from the dead. To put it simply, it is then to believe that Jesus have risen from the dead. Mark 16:15 then seals the belief as the gospel that they are to preach. The gospel, of course, is that Jesus, the SON of GOD, came down to be a MORTAL man. Fulfilling GOD's laws for us, he was put to DEATH for US and he then RAISED from the DEAD in VICTORY over the prince of this world, satan. So i think it does partially mean to believe in Jesus as the SON. Mark 16:17 states that signs will follow those who believe in HIS name, so yes, ALL believers should be able to do. The key then of course, is our faith in HIS name. I have been praying as well to reach out to such a level of faith. but i despaired not, because in 1 Corinthian 12:4 i found the following text: "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit". Reading the entire chapter, you'll find that it speaks of working miracle, speaking in tongues etc. as for Mark 16:18, in NKJV Bible it is written "they will take up serpents; and if ..." the word "take up" in Greek is "airo", which can also mean "remove", "take away", "cast away". It signifies no fear possible of the devil, as the two are often paired together. Regarding the poison, amen to that too. Reach out for that promise. i hope that my young walk with Jesus can help you, as it had to mine. Shalom to you, my brother/sister in Christ, leolipwee |