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NASB | Mark 4:8 "Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Mark 4:8 "And other seed fell into good soil, and as the plants grew and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundred times [as much as had been sown]." |
Subject: Evidences of Being Saved |
Bible Note: The impact of Christ's statement in Mark 4:8 and 20 is not the same for modern people as it was for those who originally heard the statement. In ancient times, crop yields rarely exceeded six to ten fold. "Thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold" were absolutely incredible yields! The statement was intended to astonish, emphasizes the incredible fruitfulness of a believer's life. This is an important truth: The Christian faith is observable. The internal realities always manifest themselves in external behaviors. Here are some of the most basic evidences of regeneration: 1. Hatred and Sorrow over Sin I read once that sin is spelled with "I" in the middle. The Holy Spirit works in us a knowledge and deep sorrow for sin. This is the kind of sorrow that is accompanied by repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10), a turning, and an abhorring of sin. In the past, a desire to be delivered from these sins did not seem great, but now we see them in God's eyes. "Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts." (Isaiah 6:5) "When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord." (Luke 5:8) "I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest." (Psalm 51:3-4) 2. Sole Source of Our Hope Along with the knowledge of sin, there is a knowledge that it is Jesus Christ who alone can take away and deliver one from their sin. It is knowledge that it is only Jesus and His finished work on the cross that can remove sins. Not our works, not our own will, not the works of any other person, nor declaration of a church or a priest, none of these things effect our standing before a Holy God. "Nothing but the blood of Jesus." For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21) 3. Desire to Live a Holy Life The life of a believer is characterized by a desire for holiness. We acknowledge that there is still much sin in us, but we now desire to put these things off, and live gratefully unto our God to His glory. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philipians 3:13-14) 4. Fruitfulness A believer lives a fruitful life; a life filled with good works. These works do not serve any function to bring about righteousness nor do they play a part in our salvation. However, their presence demonstrates that we belong to and abide in Christ. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (John 15:8) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14) |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Mark 4:8 | Author | ||
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Mspaularene | ||
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fwiaskycap | ||
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DocTrinsograce | ||
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drumman1@alltel.net |