Mark 16:18 says that if a Christian drinks deadly poison, it won't hurt him at all. Are you a Christian? If I gave you some poison, would you drink it? Ready to put your money where your mouth is? Ready to "step out in faith?"
2007-04-06 14:39:03 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You are not suppose to test God.If God said it, then it is true, but if one does it just to test God or to prove something, then that person is not a Christian. God knows what is in our hearts. I need not to drink poison just to prove that he exist and speaks the truth.
2007-04-06 14:48:36 · answer #1 · answered by GraycieLee 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That part of the book of Mark may not be legitimate. It is omitted in one or two of the oldest surviving manuscripts.
BUT - if it is legit then undestand that Jesus was giving his apostles of the time the miraculous ability to speak in tongues, raise the dead, etc - the ability to drink poison and survive wouldn't have been too great a feat for him.
However, later - these "gifts" ceased as the apostle Paul said at 1 Corinthians 13:8 in favor of the "greater" LOVE of the Christ.
2007-04-06 14:47:32 · answer #2 · answered by eliz_esc 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible also states that we should not tempt God.(remember when Satan tempted Jesus on the 40 day fast,by quoting scripture out of context)
However I know of a young Christian boy who did accidentally drink a cup of bleach and after prayer was just fine. I still can hardly believe it myself.
Many "snake handlers" do drink the deadly poison strychnine ,however,they do so in extreme ignorance of God's revealed word....I believe that God has just extended mercy in their behalf and honored their misguided faith.
2007-04-06 14:52:18 · answer #3 · answered by bonsai bobby 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are misinterpreting that verse.
Remember that the Bible is written in parabolic form.
The deadly poison is the deadly poison of false doctrines from the mouth of the serpent which is Satan.
Notice that this verse also says "they will pick up serpents" also indicating that they will be able to handle Satan and his demonic forces without getting hurt. The verse also says "they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover".
This is referring to those who are spiritually sick. The believers will bring the gospel and will heal the spiritually sick.
Remember that Jesus said:
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
2007-04-06 15:02:05 · answer #4 · answered by Archangel 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Surprisingly enough, there are actually people who take this passage seriously. You'll find them in the backwoods bumpkin towns of the American south normally (where else?). Generally they're Pentecostals.
They like to dance around "speaking in tongues" while holding a handful of venomous snakes. They also claim to drink Strychnine with no ill effects.
As for your question, I doubt any sane person, Christian or not, would attempt it.
2007-04-06 14:45:43 · answer #5 · answered by Digital Haruspex 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"There are times when God intervenes miraculously to protect his followers. Occasionally, he gives them special powers. Paul handled a snake safely (Acts 28:5), and the disciples healed the sick (Matthew 10:1; Acts 3:7-8). This does not mean, however, that we should test God by putting ourselves in dangerous situations."
So, to answer your question, no, I would not drink poison.
2007-04-06 14:48:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think poison meant SIN. So it could mean If a Christian sins, he will not be harmed physically, but will be cut off from the glory of God unless he confess'. And why would a Christian want to kill himself. Suicide is a sin!
2007-04-06 14:50:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
he was spacifically talking to the deciples (the 11, this was after judas died) not christians in general. also, early copies of the bible dont have mark 16:9- 16:20 so that line was likely made up long afterwards.
2007-04-06 14:49:12 · answer #8 · answered by somedude 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
don't forget that christians at that time were using poisonous mushrooms to feel love and kindness...it is either they were adicted to poison or completely delusioned by the plants effects.john was using the absynth plant grown in patmos,you can see the difference of the 2 plants effects by yourself...
2007-04-06 14:54:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It also says not to tempt the Lord. I believe this means if you were forced to drink poison and God didn't want you to die then you wouldn't. Perhaps you should read the whole Bible before you decide to take a scripture out of context. Thank you.
2007-04-06 14:46:04 · answer #10 · answered by chr1 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋