Yahweh's Assembly in Yahshua - Questions & Answers

Q. According to Mark 16:16, He that believe and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believe not shall be dammed. Is it not that he who does not believe is blinded by Satan(II Corinthians 4:4) and that Yahweh will call him in the second resurrection? Thank you.

A. Mark 16:16 should be understood in context of the one called and having a proper understanding, but yet chooses not to be believe. This is exactly what Israel did by their disobedience. Please note the following emphasis of this brought out by the author of Hebrews: Hebrews 3:17–19 NASB “And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief.” Their “unbelief” was equated with their “disobedience” and is continued to be spoken of in Hebrews chapter 4. It is an example for us to do better and observe His commandments, such as, honoring His Name (Yahweh) and keeping the 7th day holy and (3rd and 4th Commandements).

Those who are called and given an understanding of what they are to do are more responsible for their actions, as pointed out by Yahshua: ‎‎ Matthew 11:21–22 ESV “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.”

In Luke 12:47–48 NLT our Savior also says, “And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

A deeper study of those said to be condemned in Revelation 21:8, in context, appears to be speaking of those who had the calling and opportunity to follow the correct path, but then chose to ignore Yahweh and His Word. So, those who weren’t called, will, in a sense, have their first opportunity to know the truth and either accept it or deny it, just as those who are given the opportunity now to do so.