Mark 16:17-20

The word was confirmed by miracles Mark 16:17-20: Jesus said, "These signs shall follow them that believe." (Mark 16:17) "Them that believe" refers to the eleven. (Mark 16:14) The antecedent of "they" is the eleven apostles. It cannot refer to the singular "he" in Mark 16:16; Mark 16:17-18 are probably two of the most misused verses in the entire Bible. Some say these verses are not a part of the original text. This is a grievous error. Others use these verses to try to prove questionable, so-called miracles, like handling snakes in worship. Those things do not fit the Bible pattern. Mark 16:20 says, "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." The "they" and "them" of Mark 16:20 is the same people that were spoken to in Mark 16:19, "So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God." The problem that the apostles were dealing with was unbelief. (Mark 16:14) A strong faith would lead them to carry out the great commission. (Mark 16:15-16) As they went forth with the gospel they would do genuine miracles to prove their message. (Mark 16:17-18) After the ascension of Jesus to the right hand of God the faith of the apostles had grown and they went forth to preach in all the world as commanded by Jesus. As they went forth the Lord worked with them, "confirming the word with signs following."

Those that do the Lord's commandments will be blessed with an entrance into heaven and with the tree of life. (Revelation 22:14) To become a Christian, you must hear God's word (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (Mark 16:16), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10) and be baptized for remission of sins. (Mark 16:16) After your baptism into Christ, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)