Subject: Can we loose our salvation |
Bible Note: New creature: I would like to look at one of your references from Mark 4 "The Parable of the Sower" Jesus interprets the parable. He tell us that the seed is the word or in today's terms the gospel message. The Lord points out that there are four types of ground which represent four groups of people who hear the gospel and he gives us the response of each. Mark 4:4, 15 #1 The way side or the path. The seed falls on the hardened path and is quickly taken away by Satan. The seed does not have a chance to take root because the ground is not prepared. Mark 4:5-6, 16-17 #2 The stoney ground: Stoney ground has some loose soil among the rocks. The seed falls on the stoney ground and begins to grow quickly. This growth is shallow and is not rooted deep in the ground. Jesus these "hear the word and receive it with gladness" The problem here is with the root, the ground has not been prepared for growth Such a shallow reception can not stand the sun or persecution and the plant withers because it is not deeply rooted. I believe that there are people who reach out quickly and profess to be Christians and yet it has not been a work of the Spirit of God. Mark 4: 7, 18-19 #3 The ground among the thorns. The seed falls on the ground, but is choked out before growth can take place. Jesus tells us that the thorns represent a) deceitfulness of riches b) lusts or desires of other things take priority over the word. This type of person who would agree that the gospel is a wonderful message and some day they intend to accept it, but at the moment they have other things which are more important. Again the seed does not take root. The ground is unprepared, the thorns must be removed before the seed could ever take root. Mark 20: 8, 20 #4 The good ground. This is ground which has been prepared. In other words the Holy Spirit has worked within the heart, the heart is not hard, or shallow, or preoccuppied with other things, but is ready for the good seed of the word of God. "They hear, and receive it and bring forth fruit"v.20 I believe that the first three types of ground represents people who have heard the gospel and are not saved. This is evident in that there is absolutely no fruit which would prove that the word is deeply rooted in their heart. Paul writes "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." 1 Cor. 3:6 It is God who prepares our hearts and it is God who reveals to us the truth of the gospel. In John 5:24 Jesus "Truly Truly, I say unto you, he that heareth my word and believeth him that sent, shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life". Peace to you in his precious name Robert |