Articles
Obeying The Gospel - Mark 16
Obeying the Gospel - Mark 16
"And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16:15–16 (ESV)
What did Jesus say a person must do to be saved? If you answer in the words of Jesus you will say: “believe and be baptized”. This was the message that the apostles went forth proclaiming.
What did Jesus would cause a person to be condemned? If you answer in the words of Jesus you will say: “not believe”. Many point out that He did not say “not baptized”. That is obvious. What is ignored is the fact that one would not, and scripturally cannot, be baptized unless he believes. Such a lack of faith does keep people from doing the two things that Jesus said would save.
Saying that the one who does not believe will be condemned does not erase or change what Jesus said needs to be done to be saved.
What did Jesus say a person must do to be saved? “Believe and be baptized.” Have you done this?
The Lord will come “...in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,…" 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9 (ESV)
Hugh DeLong
