Baptism, belief, prophecy and signs are topics, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Mandel” (Level 1 with 85 points, a member since August 13, 2014) posted the following:
What is the bible saying?
Mark 16:16-20
16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
According to the above,anyone who “believes” can do the following:
1.) Drive out demons
2.) Speak in tongues
3.) Pick up snakes with their hands
4.) Drink poison and will not get hurt
5.) Heal people
This makes no sense.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16: 16-20, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Snake Handling? (02/19/2014); Doing GOD’s Plan? (02/20/2014); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013); Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014); Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2014); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2014); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013)
“Mandel”, here are a few points that help Christian believers avoid spiritual confusion and error:
(1.) Any one verse throughout the holy writings must be understood in the light of the passage (paragraph) where it appears as well as in terms of the full discussion the Scriptures present.
(2.) Many of the promises of GOD are intended only for those in intimate relationship as disciples, servants, and the adopted sons and daughters of GOD. The words of Jesus to those who would continue his living ministry from heaven upon the earth (we say, spread the Gospel) describe the divine process of signs and sacred events (we say, miracles) being used to show when a message or teaching is authentic as prophecy from GOD. The items you list are “possibilities” to indicate divine endorsement, and not specific elements that must always routinely appear. The same process appears with all the earlier prophets such as Moses, Isaiah, Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, and Malachi.
(3.) Salvation is a divine operation, and should not be regarded as an accomplishment of finite human behavior, intellect, and will. Belief as an active expression of faith is a product of interactions among inseparable divine substances from the makeup of GOD such as holiness, wisdom, and wrath against sin, and is not the same as belief that appears through self-will (we say, choice) or such mental activity as fantasy, imagination, logic, and reason.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) To correctly embrace sacred knowledge requires a permanent change in ones spirit content. Various operations of divine cleansing, healing, repentance, purification and sanctification must be performed by the Holy Spirit. Thus, the washing, drowning, and burial made visible in baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth having spirit matter from GOD) is crucial.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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