Signs

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Exodus 7,8 and Mark 16.

Exodus 7 begins the account of the 10 plagues. We talked about this heart "hardening" process sometime back. Basically, when man choses to disregard God, God will allow exactly that to happen! It is interesting to note that even the Egyptian magicians had to concede defeat yet Pharoah remained unconvinced. It reminds me of the exchange between the rich man and Abraham in Luk 16:19-31. In the last pitch, he rich man implored Abraham to allow him to warn his brothers, yet Abraham said "...If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." (Luk 16:31). Sometimes, we hear unbelievers saying that if there were a Jesus today performing miracles, they would surely convert. Or would they? When someone has made up his mind about something, it is well nigh impossible to change his thoughts, however convincing the evidence. The Pharoah's case is a classic example where one is hardened not for the lack of evidence but in the face of evidence! Of such, it is pointless to reason with them, but only pray for a softening of heart if God wills.

Mark 16 is where we find the famous declaration in v.15,16
Mar 16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mar 16:16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

How some can misunderstand the crystal clear wording and meaning is beyond me. I have come across a denominational "pastor" who claimed that we cannot take the "gospels" as "doctrine" (as opposed to the epistles)! Whatever happened to Jesus' warning in John 12:48? Oh yes and John 3:16? It's just an encouragement you know, for our exhortation and learning since it's from the gospel not the epistles. I doubt any respectable Christian (used here accomodatively) would subscribe to that!

What can throw some off track is the seemingly same context that v.17,18 are mentioned in.
It is true that in the first century, certain believers had miraculous gifts. This was first preached by Peter on the day of Pentecost (Act 2:38).
The apostles no doubt had such gifts as well. The part about handling serpents was given an example in Paul in Act 28:5-6.

So if we need to be baptized today for salvation, then should signs also follow us?
The quick answer is given immediately 2 verses down:
"And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."

The believers were imbued with miraculous gifts to "confirm the word". It was for the purpose to establish the word just as Jesus had patterned. Just as there was a time a purpose for the Old Law, there was a time and purpose for spiritual gifts. Wherefore, Paul wrote that they would be "done away" (1Co 13:10). Just like our childhood toys, as Paul goes on to explain, was good for a season, but if one were to hang on to them through adulthood, that would certainly not reflect very well on one's mental state!
Again we see the pattern as mentioned earlier in the case of the rich man and Abraham. The fully revealed word of God is all sufficient! And if one would not be convinced of God and His plan by it, no amount of miracles would do the job. In fact, even in the days of Christ, people even claimed they were the works of the devil! (Mat 9:34).

So it remains for us today to continue to study God's word and trust in His instructions and promises. Only with which can we be truly pleasing to God.

in Him
Paul

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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. ~ 1Corinthians 10:13