Mark 16:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

NIV: Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

NASB: The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned.

CSB: Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

NLT: Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.

KJV: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

NKJV: He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

The wording found in this verse is unfortunate for two reasons. First and foremost, the entire section of Mark 16:9–20 is not found in the earliest, most reliable manuscripts. Most Bible scholars do not think this was a part of the original, divinely-inspired writing of Mark's Gospel. Secondly, this passage is all-too-easily misinterpreted to imply that baptism is required for salvation.

Logically, however, even if accepted as original to Mark, these words do not prove baptism is a requirement for eternal life. Other passages affirm that belief alone is necessary for salvation (John 3:18; 5:24; 12:44–50; 20:31; Romans 10:9; 1 John 5:13). Even the last half of this verse states that lack of belief is all that is necessary to not be saved.

Baptism is found in proximity with belief in Christ in the New Testament because of the culture. In the time of the early church, if someone joined a particular sect of Judaism they would publicly declare their allegiance with baptism. This is why John the Baptist baptized his followers (John 1:26–28). In those times, a new believer didn't have to go through a class or give a detailed testimony in order to be baptized. They were baptized as soon as they affirmed the teacher's message, like the Ethiopian court official who met Philip (Acts 8:26–40). Consider also the thief on the cross who declared his faith in Jesus (Luke 23:39–43). Jesus assured him he would go to paradise with no mention of baptism.

Baptism is not a requirement for salvation, it's a response to salvation. When we are baptized, we are giving a public affirmation that we choose to follow Jesus. The Bible talks about three different baptisms. "John's baptism" was for those before the resurrection who agreed that their sin was wrong and they resolved to live a better life (Matthew 3:5–6, 11; Acts 19:4). Believers' baptism is for those who understand that while repentance is important, we can never be so good that we can earn salvation; it is performed after we are saved. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is what we receive at the moment of salvation. The Holy Spirit dwells within us permanently, marking us as saved by Christ (Mark 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:12–13; Ephesians 1:13–14).

Mark 16:14–20 is not part of the oldest, most trusted manuscripts of the Bible. Most of what this passage contains is covered in Matthew 28:16–20, Luke 24:36–43, and John 20:19–29. However, there are points on which these verses are unsubstantiated. The disciples finally realize Jesus will not overthrow the Romans, and they will not rule from twelve thrones, at least not yet (Matthew 19:28). First, they have work: spreading the message that Jesus has died for the sins of the world and is risen. In this mission, they will be able to perform miracles and endure dangers that would normally kill them.

After the mandatory time of rest, several of Jesus' female followers approach His tomb intending to anoint the body. Their primary concern is who will open the tomb for them so they can honor Jesus' remains. They arrive to find the tomb open, empty, and watched over by angels. After hearing from these beings (Luke 24:4–7), the women leave in fear, speaking only to the disciples. This ends the original, God-inspired text of the Gospel of Mark. Verses 9–20 are mostly corroborated by other Scripture, but were not part of the initial writing.

Leading up to chapter 16, Jesus has been unfairly tried and executed by crucifixion. Starting in this passage, Jesus' women followers find an empty tomb, but don't know what it means. Jesus' work for our salvation is done, but explaining that to His disciples will take another forty days (Acts 1:3). And telling the world is a work that will continue until His return. The resurrection and events after are also covered in Matthew 28, Luke 24, John 20—21, and Acts 1:1–11. The most reliable copies of the Gospel of Mark leave the disciples where they have spent much of the story: confused and afraid. Jesus is risen, but they haven't yet accepted that. Everything after verse 9 is most likely a later scribal addition.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.