The Evangelist’s Pen

"Signs Following"

Mark 16:9-20 --
16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
16:10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
16:11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
16:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
16:13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
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.
16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

In all so-called modern translations, if these verses exist, they are accompanied by a note to the effect that “these verses are not contained in the oldest and best manuscripts.” Circular reasoning is used to arrive at this conclusion. I’ll explain that another time, when I have more room and more time. Every single one of these newer translations is based on the corrupted Vaticanus Text (held by the Vatican, the capital of the Roman Catholic Institution), not the Textus Receptus, or Received Text, which was received and used by the apostles and the early church.

In the passage in question we find the Great Commission that we are to “Go into all the world, preaching the gospel to every creature.” We are told that if we do this, and they believe, they will be saved. If we don’t, and they don’t believe, they will end up in Hell. It continues that “These signs shall follow them that believe.” It does not say these shall follow after signs, which is what so many are doing today.

Sign 1: Casting out demons.

Sign 2: Speaking with new tongues.

Sign 3: Taking up serpents without harm.

Sign 4: Drinking deadly things without harm.

Sign 5: Laying hands on the sick and seeing them recovered, or healed.

Every one of these signs is consistent with the rest of Scripture; and there are examples of each in the Scripture. They are desirable, beneficial and edifying to the body of Christ and they will all result in greater effectiveness in preaching the gospel.

Having received their commission (or marching orders), their expectations, and seeing Jesus received into Heaven, they went, they preached, the Holy Ghost worked with them, confirming with signs following, just as was promised. What else can we say but, “Amen?”

So why don’t we generally see these things happening today? Most people who even believe the gifts and signs are for today are seeking after the signs and spiritual happenings, rather than after the Lord. This is a reversal of God’s plan, and walking in disobedience will never result in receiving what God has promised!!! It is so much easier to follow after the signs of others, real, fake, hype or flesh than it is to fulfill the great commission, live a Godly life and walk in the promised blessing of God!!!

Do you want to see the signs?!? Do NOT go looking for them!!! Start walking in obedience to God’s will and purpose, cry out to God and believe His promise is still true today!! Commitment, faithfulness and sincerity with a pure heart are the price!!! It will transform your life, your home, your church and this lost, floundering age in which we live!