SUBJECT TO INTERPRETATION. REALLY?  by steve finnell

Scripture is subject to interpretation. Is honesty and lack of pride a requirement in order to interpret Scripture accurately ?

Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (NKJV)

My interpretation of Mark 16:16 is, he who believes and is immersed in water will be saved.

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The following are some denominational interpretations of Mark 16:16.

1. He who believes is saved and shall be baptized as a testimony of their faith.

2. He who is baptized as an unbelieving infant will be forgiven of the guilt of Adam's sin as well as all sins they commit in the future, and they will be added to the body of Christ. [ Note: The only person guilty of Adam's sin, is Adam.]

3. He who is dead and is baptized by proxy will be forgiven.

4. Dead infants will be baptized and will have faith imputed to them by God so they will be saved. [Note: No infant dead or alive is guilty of sin.]

5. He who believes is saved by faith only and should be baptized because Jesus commanded baptism.

6. He who believes, believes because God forced him to believe, therefore he is saved by grace alone. Baptism is a work, therefore it is not essential for salvation.

7. He who believes is saved, however, he needs to be baptized in order to join a denominational church of his choice.

8. Belief and water baptism are not essential in order to be saved, because God will save all men.

9. Mark 16:16 does not apply because the church catechism of my denomination overrules all Scripture. Man-made creeds are more reliable than Scripture.

10. Mark 16:16 is invalid because the majority of those who claim Jesus as Savior do not believe it to be true.

11. He who believes and is baptized will be saved is a false statement, because there are many other ways to get heaven rather than Jesus.

Scripture is subject to interpretation, however, Scripture more likely to be misinterpreted.