JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning Mark 16:18.

This verse is a promise of protection -- not a command -- to those individuals God has called to preach the Gospel (notice verse 15).

An example of this occurred when the apostle Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake while gathering firewood (Acts 28:1-6). It is important to realize that he was not purposely handling the snake. Rather, this incident was an UNEXPECTED accident. And God miraculously protected His servant according to His promise!

Deliberately handling poisonous snakes or drinking deadly liquids expecting God's protection is definitely contrary to Christ's teachings. In Matthew 4:5-6, Satan tried to persuade Christ to throw Himself down from a pinnacle merely because He had a promise of protection. However, Christ rebuked Satan because he had MISAPPLIED the scripture. Christ said to Satan, as He says to anyone who delights in misapplying God's promise of protection, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (verse 7). Therefore, the practice of deliberately handling deadly snakes or drinking poisonous liquids is definitely wrong!

Thank you again for your question. If you would like information concerning faith and how it is manifested, write for our free booklet entitled WHAT IS FAITH?

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT