The Parable of the Sower

Can a Christian/Believer lose their promise of eternal salvation if they have abandoned their faith in Him? I have heard this question enough times to get me digging in my Word for an answer. This is a tough question, one where many a Christian have various opinions and answers. So I will turn to the only trustworthy source I know. The spirit of truth which guides me into all truth. John 16:13 And the Word of the Living God.

THE HEARERS

I am convinced that those who have called themselves Christian and have turned away from Christ, were never truly Christian at heart! Please read Matthew 13:1-9 prior to reading the rest of this post. The parable of the sower can give insight into the differences between "hearers" and "doers" of the Word! The hearers are described in this parable in verses 19-22

1. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. -- verse 19 (nonbelievers who have heard the word, but didn't receive it)


2. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
   Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. - verse 20-21 (Believers who have received the word, but were superficial in their faith and were not able to endure the trials and tribulations because of the Word. This "offense" is indicative of the true condition of their belief)


3. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. -- verse 22 (Believers who received the word, but were deceived/led astray by worldly/physical concerns. Another indication of the true condition of their belief)

THE DOER


There is only one passage in this parable that describes a true at heart Believer.

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty - verse 23

Hebrews 6:4-6 tells us that it is impossible for those who "were once enlightened" to "renew them again unto repentance". Please read Hebrews 6:4-6 before reading on. With the parable of the sower in mind please read the subsequent verses, 7 and 8 of Hebrews 6.

1. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God. -- Compare this verse to Matthew 13:23


2. but that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.-- Compare this verse to Matthew 13:22
   

How do we know a seed to be conducive, unless it first takes root and grows? If a seed is planted into the ground and does not produce anything, then we can conclude that the ground was infertile. If the seed symbolizes the Word and the ground symbolizes our heart, then this interpretation is validated by Romans 10:8-10.

"But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

THE DOER vs. HEARERS

A true at heart Believer in Christ Jesus, has stepped away from the basic functions of "hearing" and has become a lover of Christ. "Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe." -- Hebrews 5:11-14

Peter professed his undying love to Christ. Swearing his life unto the death for the Savior, but Jesus knew his heart. Jesus knew that Peter, at that time, may have made a genuine profession, but the seed, at that point, had not taken root. I can imagine the realization that he (Peter) had betrayed his Savior was a factor of growth for him! Luke 22:33-34; Luke 22:60-62

A lover of Christ has deep roots in Christ. Christ is his/her source for all things. The relationship between a Believer and Christ, has now become reciprocal in nature.

"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."-- John 15:5

Additional verses: Hebrews 5: 11-14; Hebrews 6:1-3

PHYSICAL vs. SPIRITUAL

The source of confusion (and division in the Body) in living the Christian faith lies in the fact that so many define Christianity in physical terms, and attempt to apply it accordingly. So many of us place "dos" and "don'ts" as indicatives of salvation; church attendance, baptisms, tithes, sinner's prayers, other kinds of prayers, speaking of tongues, any and all that takes away from the simple truth of the scripture which is this;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" John 3:16

When we worship, and walk in spirit and in truth, as the Father desires us to, our life in Him will take on a whole other dimension. John 4:23-24 It brings that "sixth" sense, which is the Holy Spirit. It frees us from the immaturity of "close-mindedness" and "physical rituals". It is not what we do, or pray that makes us saved. It is our heart, our belief in him. That has ALWAYS been the condition of salvation. Take note of Deuteronomy 30:10-15 (listed in the Old Testament) and Romans 10:8-10 (listed in the New Testament).

In summation (with understanding of scripture):

"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his". --Romans 8:9

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" --Romans 8:14

"Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost". --1Corinthians 12:3

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand" --John 10:28-29

AMEN!

God bless you and your endeavors in His Word!

Please read:
"The Parable of the Sower Addendum"