Can you explain Mark 16: 16?
Introduction. There have been many futile attempts to disregard Mark 16: 9-20 on the basis that the text is not genuine. While the passage is not found in some ancient manuscripts, it is found in many other ancient manuscripts. In fact, there are early references to Mark 16: 9-20 which predate some of the uncial manuscripts which are cited to prove the text is not authentic. Beside, all the teaching of this passage (including verse 16) is found elsewhere.
An analysis of Mark 16: 16. Jesus said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (KJV) The verse contains a simple compound declarative statement. "The participles ("believeth" and "baptized") are substantivized and describe the person that shall be saved" (R.C.H. Lenski, Vol. 2, pg. 765). "Believeth" and "baptized" are joined by "and" which grammatically shows Jesus is placing equal importance on belief and baptism. Belief and baptism are both conditions to "shall be saved."
Observations of a Baptist and a Lutheran commentator. The Pulpit Commentary observes regarding Mark 16: 16: "These words are very important. The first clause opposes the notion that faith alone is sufficient for salvation...." (vol. 16, pg. 348). "...Baptism cannot, therefore, be a mere sign or symbol that bestows nothing," writes Lutheran commentator R.C.H. Lenski. "If it were no more it would not be so vitally connected with salvation. Baptism bestows, and the believing baptized person accepts and receives this great 'salvation' from the Savior" (vol. 2, pg. 765 ff.). How about the negative, "but he that believeth not shall be damned"? "...nothing is said about being baptized simply because nothing needs to be said...by disbelieving the gospel he disbelieves also the baptism which is part of it, hence, he will refuse to be baptized...." (Ibid)
An analysis of Mark 16: 16. Jesus said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (KJV) The verse contains a simple compound declarative statement. "The participles ("believeth" and "baptized") are substantivized and describe the person that shall be saved" (R.C.H. Lenski, Vol. 2, pg. 765). "Believeth" and "baptized" are joined by "and" which grammatically shows Jesus is placing equal importance on belief and baptism. Belief and baptism are both conditions to "shall be saved."
Observations of a Baptist and a Lutheran commentator. The Pulpit Commentary observes regarding Mark 16: 16: "These words are very important. The first clause opposes the notion that faith alone is sufficient for salvation...." (vol. 16, pg. 348). "...Baptism cannot, therefore, be a mere sign or symbol that bestows nothing," writes Lutheran commentator R.C.H. Lenski. "If it were no more it would not be so vitally connected with salvation. Baptism bestows, and the believing baptized person accepts and receives this great 'salvation' from the Savior" (vol. 2, pg. 765 ff.). How about the negative, "but he that believeth not shall be damned"? "...nothing is said about being baptized simply because nothing needs to be said...by disbelieving the gospel he disbelieves also the baptism which is part of it, hence, he will refuse to be baptized...." (Ibid)