For Christians: The test of a true Christian?

Question

The Bible has a scientific test how to identify a true believer. It is mentioned in the Gospel of Mark, Ch. No.16, Verse No.17 and 18 - It says that… ‘There will be signs for true believers and among the signs - In my name they shall cast out devils, they shall speak foreign tongues, new tongues, they shall take up serpents - And if they drink deadly poison, they shall not be harmed - And when they place their hand over the sick, they shall be cured.’ This is a scientific test - In scientific terminology, it is known as the ‘confirmatory test’ for a true Christian believer.

I doubt that ANY human can do this, but here it is, written in the Bible...Since no Human can do it, there's not a Christian alive today that really is a Christian according to the Bible...

And Btw, Don't say that we're tempting God when we're tempting ourselves
:D

And because I've already gotten stupid answers, let me clarify:
Christians are allegedly capable of doing ALL of these things, if they really are Christians (according to the bible), not just one or two things from the list

Again, in response to stupid answers, my question is HAS ANYBODY THAT IS GOING TO ANSWER MY QUESTION EVER PERFORMED ALL OF THESE FEATS AND LIVED?
If not, then you're not a Christian, says your own holy book

Well then, Prophet, it seems that you've been lied to, fool

Answer 1

HMMMM Something to think about.......

Answer 2

Fair question, but the context of this passage gives a better understanding than just looking at these 2 verses alone. By examining verses 14 to 20, you can see that the indicated signs were promised to the eleven apostles. Jesus was sending them out to preach, then they went out preaching, and finally in verse 20 they returned after performing those signs and miracles.
This is not a test to prove all christians, just the record of what happened to those eleven men.

It is interesting to note that in all the books of the New Testament, only 84 men, including Jesus, were given supernatural power. No other christians ever had the power to work miracles.

Answer 3

Without quibbling over translation, what the text you cite says is that there will be signs and that "among the signs" will be. It does not say it is a definitive list, nor an exclusive one.

In other words, if someone does those things, you are right to think they are a true believer. It does not mean, however, that if someone does not do those things they are not a true believer. It is not a comprehensive yes or no "test" - even using your translation.

And it contrasts rather strongly with the number of times when people in the New testament asked Jesus to "perform signs" in order to confirm his credentials, and he always refused. He even refused during the so-called Temptation in the Desert, when he was tempted by Satan.

Finally - science and faith can and do co-exist. But they are very different things, and trying to use one technique in the other field is - well, no offense intended, but just plain silly.

Answer 4

some people do take the bible literly this I haven't seen in the bible, then again I don't read the bible everyday some of the people say I'm not worried about it b/c God will take care of it, I belive you got to help your self and let God help you in that way There was a write up about the 2 parents of a child was facing charges b/c they would take their child to the hosptal for help. The kid died, I think it was a girl about 10 yrs old.They were relying on God to heal her. God also gave the world smart people and talents, they are called doctors that have medicine. So what I'm saying belive in God and let him help you but don't go do stuff that you know will harm you. What you said I wonder if the poison is satan. Then again we all make mistakes but I call it free will.Not satans work. That is why I think the bible is confusing. Some stuff you aren't suppose to take literly but yet some people do. And which are you suppose to take literly? Why back in the bible times did they say not to do something. Was that person bad therefore; all the other people from then on are going to be bad like that one. example mediums. Okay I seem to be getting off of your subject I guess its time to get off the subject when I start rampling. bye

Answer 5

well - if we take just one of those things - snake handling - that particular item is outlawed here in Indiana. it is still practiced here in a couple of churches.

I am not sure if anyone has ever done everything on this list, but, as a non-Christian, I would have to believe that the Christian God won't hold them to all of these standards for salvation. The only thing required for salvation is faith in Jesus as Lord. No works - meaning no physical acts - other than confession of Jesus as Lord - can save a Christian.

Perhaps this list is provided as a historical wonder list - things that a Jew of that time would/could not imagine doing because of social or faith restraints.

Answer 6

Well first of all, you are correct in saying that Christians can't do any of these things, because its God that does it through the Christians not the people themselves. You are wrong because people do cast out devils. I saw it on TV the other day and if your a part of a Christian community you hear about it all the time. Foreign tongue? Another language. place hands over the sick. Doctors. As for the other ones, you obviously haven't heard of modern day miracles. You hear and see these things when your amoungst a Christian community.

Answer 7

First if you wanna interpret the words of God you have to understand the Bible, and as i can see you're not doing it.
A real Christian is the one that has accepted Jesus as the only Savior, not the one who does miracles or anything similar.
Second, You said the Bible says " There will be sings for true believers ". It means you can possess one or two of those talents, not all of them.

Answer 8

In the first place, the passage sited does not appear in the earliest manuscripts, so whether or not it should be in the Bible is in question.
In the second place, the passage does not state that ALL believers will drive out demons, speak with new tongues. etc.
So it really isn't a litmus test for determining who is a Christian.
However, Jesus said in John 3:3 " no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

Answer 9

Yes it is one test. There are others. Every single sighn mentioned in the above scripture has been performed and recorded in the Bible. Also these miracles continue to today amoung God's people. I am an eyewitness to several of these signs. Believe it , because it is true. .....Listen to God !! He speaks thru his holy word the Bible...Hebrews 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

Answer 10

Yeah.
Those guys who wrote the Bible were incredibly creative.
I'm sure Jesus was a nice guy and all, but I doubt he actually did magic. I think he may have been a little crazy.
I didn't think there was anything scientific in the Bible. xD
Whatever. I think some people just need to believe in something because it's all they have. A little sad, but whatever floats your boat.

Answer 11

It is a common misconception that Christians are perfect. I have not and don't know anyone with the faith to do the above. That doesn't mean I'm not a Christian. The Christian life is supposed to glorify Christ not the Christian.