Parable of the Sower Addendum
Here's the link to the original post "The Parable of the Sower"
"Does it mean that those who are not yet deeply rooted in Christ, who are still babes in Christ, are not going to heaven until they become more firmly grounded in Him?"
"But what about those who die when they are still babe's and have not yet become firmly rooted? What is your definition of firmly rooted? "
PROFESSION
Profession: The act of professing; avowal; a declaration, whether true or false. http://www.dictionary.com/
The Parable of the Sower defines four types of people who have heard the Word of God (seed). Three of them are "hearers", producing no "fruit" as a result. One is a "doer", producing "fruit" as a result. The fact that those who profess belief in Christ is categorized along with the unbeliever says a LOT in that fact alone. (The category of being unfruitful.) While their profession may be genuine in and of itself, it does not necessarily mean their faith is genuine as well. The book of James is a wonderful book that defines genuine faith. In this book, the 2nd chapter and the 19th verse tells us this:
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble"
If the devils also believe and tremble, what, then, is the difference between the devils and true Believers?
"But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?--verse 20
How can faith, being dead, exist? What is dead faith, but no faith?
The preceding passage lists an example of faith by works. (Works in this light should NOT be confused with legalistic "do's" and "don'ts", prayer rituals or any type of "salvation by works" method. This is clarified by the use Abraham's faith as an example.)
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?" --verse 21 (Obediently, faithfully following the command/will of the Lord)
"Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect" --verse 22
"And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God " --verse 23
"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. "
Further Studying: James 1 and 2
Food for Thought: With the parable of the sower in mind, verses 22 and 23 in particular, read 1 John 2:15-17
CONFESSION
Confession: Admission, especially if guilt or sin; also, a statement of religious belief. "To confess" can mean to agree, to promise, or admit to something. (Tyndale Bible Dictionary - 2001)
The Word tells us "...no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinthians 12:3).
The bottom line is this: either you have genuine faith in the Word of God, or you don't. There is no middle ground. The parable of the sower reveals the "hearers" and the "doers" of the Word, both have the same result within those classifications. Our professions and confessions will be tested for validity, and it will be made apparent in accordance to His Word. 1Peter 1:7
Profession can become confession! Peter is evident of that! This is why we are exhorted by scripture to "hold fast the profession of our faith" (Hebrews 10:23)
Additional verses: Hebrews 12:1-3
"For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." -- Hebrews 4:2
"For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world".--Hebrews 4:3
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." -- verse 11
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."--verse 12
"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." --verse 13
Additional Studying: Hebrews 3; 4
In answer to the last question posed to me "What is your definition of firmly rooted?", my definition lies in John 15:5. In having said that, it is not "my" definition, but His. :)
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing"
Amen! God Bless!
Author's note: All italics, bold and caps in scripture are mine.
It seems as though I missed one question: "What happens to those who never hear of Christ?"
That won't happen. The Word says this:
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." --Matthew 24:14
"Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened" --Romans 1:19-21
"Does it mean that those who are not yet deeply rooted in Christ, who are still babes in Christ, are not going to heaven until they become more firmly grounded in Him?"
"But what about those who die when they are still babe's and have not yet become firmly rooted? What is your definition of firmly rooted? "
PROFESSION
Profession: The act of professing; avowal; a declaration, whether true or false. http://www.dictionary.com/
The Parable of the Sower defines four types of people who have heard the Word of God (seed). Three of them are "hearers", producing no "fruit" as a result. One is a "doer", producing "fruit" as a result. The fact that those who profess belief in Christ is categorized along with the unbeliever says a LOT in that fact alone. (The category of being unfruitful.) While their profession may be genuine in and of itself, it does not necessarily mean their faith is genuine as well. The book of James is a wonderful book that defines genuine faith. In this book, the 2nd chapter and the 19th verse tells us this:
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble"
If the devils also believe and tremble, what, then, is the difference between the devils and true Believers?
"But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?--verse 20
How can faith, being dead, exist? What is dead faith, but no faith?
The preceding passage lists an example of faith by works. (Works in this light should NOT be confused with legalistic "do's" and "don'ts", prayer rituals or any type of "salvation by works" method. This is clarified by the use Abraham's faith as an example.)
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?" --verse 21 (Obediently, faithfully following the command/will of the Lord)
"Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect" --verse 22
"And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God " --verse 23
"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. "
Further Studying: James 1 and 2
Food for Thought: With the parable of the sower in mind, verses 22 and 23 in particular, read 1 John 2:15-17
CONFESSION
Confession: Admission, especially if guilt or sin; also, a statement of religious belief. "To confess" can mean to agree, to promise, or admit to something. (Tyndale Bible Dictionary - 2001)
The Word tells us "...no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinthians 12:3).
The bottom line is this: either you have genuine faith in the Word of God, or you don't. There is no middle ground. The parable of the sower reveals the "hearers" and the "doers" of the Word, both have the same result within those classifications. Our professions and confessions will be tested for validity, and it will be made apparent in accordance to His Word. 1Peter 1:7
Profession can become confession! Peter is evident of that! This is why we are exhorted by scripture to "hold fast the profession of our faith" (Hebrews 10:23)
Additional verses: Hebrews 12:1-3
"For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." -- Hebrews 4:2
"For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world".--Hebrews 4:3
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." -- verse 11
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."--verse 12
"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." --verse 13
Additional Studying: Hebrews 3; 4
In answer to the last question posed to me "What is your definition of firmly rooted?", my definition lies in John 15:5. In having said that, it is not "my" definition, but His. :)
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing"
Amen! God Bless!
Author's note: All italics, bold and caps in scripture are mine.
It seems as though I missed one question: "What happens to those who never hear of Christ?"
That won't happen. The Word says this:
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." --Matthew 24:14
"Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened" --Romans 1:19-21
Hannah, so many times you make me re-examine myself and my faith. Today is one of those times. I thank you for your dedication to the Word which makes us all accountable to His wishes and not our own conveniences. Thank you, MASS.
ReplyDeleteHannah, well said. And I agree with you 100%. I just have one question that I wonder if you can tell me where the answer lays. When I think of those that have not heard the Word, I also think of babies and small children who though they may have heard the Word of God (small children, anyway) cannot truly profess and confess. Any thoughts on that? Any Scripture you know that I can read up on? And for the record, any that read this, I am not disputing what Hannah says at all! I am just curious where I can find the answer to this one. I have asked it of many people, and no one seems to be able to lead me in the right direction. I have my own thoughts on this, but wanted to know what hers were. Blessings to you my PPF!
ReplyDeleteI pray that it's not me, but the Word. :)
ReplyDeleteAmen to the accountability factor! I cannot tell you how many times the Word has convicted me of a specific behavior or attitude I needed to change!
Praise God for He has not left us without!
Shalene, I will certainly get back to you on that one :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this post. It cleared a lot up for me and has made me reexamine my faith (and works through faith) a lot. I just finished reading a new Max Lucado book called "Every Day Deserves a Chance." Your post kind of goes along with the theme of this book in a way. It teaches us to look at our lives in a positive light, in God's light. It talks about living out your faith with a positive attitude. I also just started his book "It's not about me" which also has this sort of theme of shining as a light through our actions and feeling better inside, having a better day, just because we helped someone.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that I can be a servant to the Word!
ReplyDeletePlease do not hesitate if you have more questions!
BTW -- I'm seriously considering adding a shout box to my blog for the purposes of questions... I hesitate, because I DON'T know everything, but I DO want to be of service to those who are searching... drop me a comment and let me know what you think...
Hannah, if you know how to post a shout box, please let me know, because that would be something I would like as well. I don't think it necessary that we know everything, just that we are willing to find the answers and admit that we don't know, if we don't. Blessings to you my sister and PPF!
ReplyDeleteThis post is extremely insightful. Reading it makes me realize that I am so small because though I shout from the rooftops about Christ's love and redemption for us, I am quite empty on the works part.
ReplyDeleteBut I am taking steps to correct that. Reading the words of encouragement from the blogs of fellow bloggers here like Shalene, Vixious and NYC always makes me re-examine my faith and how I can truly be a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And for that I thank the Lord for blessing me with all your friendship.
God bless all of you!
Sicarii,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to our little "community"! I'm so blessed and humbled I can be of service when it comes to the Word!
I realized that I forgot to add the link in this post to the original post! http://confessionsofanunchurchedbeliever.blogspot.com/2007/08/parable-of-sower.html
I will be adding it to the Addendum as well. May the Lord be glorified by His people!