There is one particular verse in the New Testament which is distorted in many different ways. That verse is Mark 16:16. This verse reads:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be
damned."Five Views of Mark 16:16
"He who believes and is baptized shall not be saved."
Such a statement made in light of the actual reading of the verse certainly demands an explanation. Who believes this statement? Atheists believe it. Those who deny God Himself must also deny both the reality of Heaven and salvation. Others also would have to believe this variation of Mark 16:16 - namely, those who hold to religions other than "Christian" religions (Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, among others). These religions do not see salvation as coming through obedience to Christ nor meeting Christ's blood in the waters of baptism.
"He who does not believe and is not baptized shall be saved."
Some say simply, "God loves everyone - therefore God will save everyone." Generally speaking, these people can be classified as "universalists." They say that nothing is required of us, and still salvation awaits us all - no requirements made of God; His goodness covers all of man's sins. We know from scripture that God is a good God who loves us, and also He is a God of wrath and He must deal with man's sin in the end.
"He who does not believe and is baptized shall be saved."
To this statement we must ask, What kind of person who does not believe in Christ would submit themselves to baptism? The reality is that many, many people do just that - many babies are being baptized every day. Babies, who, in actuality, do not have the capacity to understand OR believe! Yet many religions insist that infants are born into this world guilty of sin. To the contrary, Christ stated that we (as understanding adults) must become as little children (children, who are pure and sinless) if we are to find salvation. And of course this comes through contact with the blood of Christ - found in the willing and obedient act of baptism.
"He who believes and is not baptized shall be saved."
So many claim that salvation comes after belief (faith) but BEFORE baptism. The New Testament teaches otherwise. Faith alone cannot save. Certainly faith is a requirement and is the step of other steps to come. There are commandments to keep. Faith brings forth action; it brings forth things we must do.
"He who believes and is baptized shall be saved."
Finally we come to the actual reading of Mark 16:16. We all know that 2 + 2 = 4, or that 2 AND 2 equals 4. What is required of us in understanding Mark 16:16? A plain and direct reading of the verse! Two very specific things are required to find salvation - and neither one is lesser in importance than the other! Both faith in Christ AND (+) baptism are required before a man "shall be saved."
Let us understand that two or more differing views of Mark 16:16 cannot each be correct. ONLY ONE reading can be acceptable. Which one view is acceptable to God? Which is acceptable to you?
