Mark 16:16 He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. The text is an abridgement of our Lord's last instructions to His apostles before His ascension. Other parts of the same discourse are to be found in Matthew 28:18-20; John 20:21. See also Luke 24:45. By comparing these passages with this, it will appear that by "believing and being baptized," St. Mark plainly means, "believing, repenting, and obeying the gospel" — three things which cannot be separated from each other. He who believes the doctrine of the gospel when preached to him, and by baptism enters into an obligation to live suitably to that belief, and verifies that obligation by his practice, in a life of virtue, righteousness, and charity — shall be saved; but he who rejects the doctrine of the gospel, when duly and reasonably proposed to him, or pretending to embrace it, yet obeys it not — shall be damned. I. THE SUBJECTMATTER OF THE BELIEF NECESSARY TO SALVATION. 1. A doctrine of practice, virtue, and righteousness, within the comprehension of all men. 2. It is to be found in our very nature and reason. 3. It is delivered to us, over and over again, in the Scriptures. 4. It is briefly, but sufficiently, stated in the creeds of the Church. II. THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF THE ACT OF BELIEVING. 1. A firm persuasion, founded upon reasonable and good grounds. Not such a careless credulity as, like a foundation in the sand, quickly suffers whatever is built upon it to fall to the ground (Proverbs 14:14; Acts 17:11). Wise believers will — (1) Consider the parity and excellence of the doctrine itself, and its accordance with reason, and the nature and attributes of God. (2) Ponder the evidence of the miracles wrought by Christ. (3) Examine the prophecies which went before concerning Him, and compare the actions of His life therewith. (4) Consider also the prophecies that He Himself delivered, and His apostles after Him, and compare them with the whole series of events from that time to this. Thus they will work in themselves a firm persuasion, founded upon reasonable and good grounds. 2. Such a persuasion of mind as produces suitable and proper effects. (S. Clarke, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.WEB: He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned. |
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