“…And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11.26, ESV)¹

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¹The name “Christian” simply means a follower of Christ. Besides Acts 11.26, the Bible uses the word Christian two other times within Scripture (see Acts 26.28; 1 Peter 4.16). It is no secret that the Bible is silent concerning denominations and their titles. For example, one cannot find the words “Baptist*,” “Methodist,” “Catholic,” “Lutheran,” etc. and yet all these denominations claim to be followers of Christ and believers of the Bible. Since faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10.17), it should be noted that one cannot have faith in that which he cannot read within Scripture.

Furthermore, since God’s word clearly condemns denominationalism (John 17.20-21; 1 Cor. 1.10), one must completely rid themselves of this human tradition (Matt. 15.1-9). In fact, this is what it seems many of the founders and early followers of denominations sought for. Consider the following:

Methodist denomination (founded in 1739): “Would to God that all party names and unscriptural phrases and forms which have divided the Christian world were forgot...” (John Wesley, Hardeman's Tabernacle Sermons, Vol. 5, pg. 60) John Wesley (1703-1791) was the founder of Methodism.

Lutheran denomination (founded in 1526): “I pray you to leave my name alone, and call not yourselves ‘Lutherans,’ but ‘Christians.’ Who is Luther? My doctrine is not mine. I have not been crucified for anyone. St. Paul would not permit that any should call themselves of Paul, nor of Peter but of Christ. How, then, does it befit me, a miserable bag of dust and ashes, to give my name to the children of Christ? Cease, my dear friends, to cling to these party names and distinctions; away with them all; let us call ourselves only ‘Christians’ after him from whom our doctrine comes.” (Martin Luther, The Life of Martin Luther, pg. 262) “Lutherans” (as they are known today) were founded by Martin Luther (1483-1546) but were named “Lutheran” posthumously.

Baptist denomination (founded in 1609): “I look forward with pleasure to the day when there will not be a Baptist living. I hope they will soon be gone. I hope the ‘Baptist’ name will soon perish, but let Christ’s name last forever.” (Charles Spurgeon, Spurgeon Memorial Library, Vol. 1, pg. 168) Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) was an influential Baptist pastor.

The evidence is clear. Not only is denominationalism condemned by God, it was condemned by its founders and early followers. If you’re interested in learning more about denominationalism, e-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.

*The Bible does mention “John the Baptist” but this is simply identifying John’s role as one who baptized people and has nothing to do with the modern day sect that comes themselves “Baptist.” He can also be referred to as “John the Immerser.”

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16.16, ESV)¹

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¹There are at least five different views of Mark 16.16. Let us examine them all.

View #1: “He who believes and is baptized will not be saved.”

• Those who believe this view: Atheists, Muslims, Jews, etc.
• Why? Because they do not believe in God or the Bible.
• Problem with this view: There is a God and His majesty and existence is seen in the creation of this world (Psalm 19.1; Rom. 1.19-20).

View #2: “He who does not believe and is not baptized will be saved.”

• Those who believe this view: Universalist [one that claims all will be saved].
• Why? Ultimately, because they cannot believe in a God that would send anyone to hell.
• Problem with this view: God says some will be saved and others will be lost: Matt. 7.13-14, 21-23; Rom. 6.23, etc.

View #3: “He who does not believe and is baptized will be saved.”

• Those who believe this view: Catholics, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, etc.
• Why? This view means infant baptism. They believe babies are born in sin and therefore they must be baptized to be saved (where’s the Scripture?).
• Problem with this view: The Bible says one must hear (Rom. 10.17), believe (John 8.24), repent of sins (Acts 2.38), and confess Jesus (Rom. 10.9-10) before one may be baptized. Can a baby do any of that?

View #4: “He who believes and is not baptized will be saved.”

• Those who believe this view: Baptist, Methodist, Lutherans, etc.
• Why? They do not believe baptism is necessary for salvation. However, they believe salvation is by “faith alone”.
• Problem with this view: Jesus said baptism is essential in Matt. 28.18-20. James said we are not saved by “faith only” (James 2.24). Since Jesus requires faith (John 3.16), repentance (Luke 13.3), and confession (Matt. 10.32-33), then one cannot be saved by “faith alone”.

View #5: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.”

• Those who believe this view: Those who believe Jesus, the Son of the living God.
• Why? Because they want to listen to Jesus (Matt. 17.5), obey Jesus (Luke 6.46), and be saved by Jesus (John 14.6).
• Problem with this view: None. This is the only view that quotes Jesus. The truth is, salvation and forgiveness of sins is found in baptism in the name of Jesus (Acts 2.38; 22.16; Gal. 3.27, etc.).

If we our honest with God’s word, we can see that Jesus’ words are truth and are in opposition to the views of the religious world. This raises the questions, "Which view is a lie?" and "Have you believed a lie?"

What is your view of Mark 16.16? Let me know. If you’re interested in learning more about the different views of Mark 16.16 e-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.