Article: Beware of the writings of the Watchman

[aron]

Originally Posted by micah6v8

My view is that Mark 16:18 is understood in its literal sense, but that it does not apply now. Today, I would not touch a snake or drink poison for the sake of it; I would also see a doctor if I am ill.

I have not read a lot of Watchman Nee, and thus am not an expert in his teachings. I read a few books when I was in the LC, and have commented on the excerpts I've seen on this forum, and online (the Roberts/Hsu book, for example).

So I don't know what he said, but it seems that Nee would have taken Mark 16:18 literally. But he was smart enough not to apply it! In other words, he would ascribe these "supernatural" feats to our original, pre-fall state, which was lost by Adam's sin. Now, Jesus offers it again.

But we should be wise in how we apply it. "Be wise like serpents, guileless like doves." Jesus taught that if we go forth to battle with 10,000 troops and see an enemy coming with 20,000 soldiers, don't try to fight. So if I go to a church and they have cups of poison, passing them around to "prove" my spirituality, I will probably not take it!

In other words, don't let the enemy tempt you beyond your measure of grace.