Luke 8:5-8 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. (6) And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. (7) And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. (8) And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
In the first type of ground the seed fell on Jesus Christ gives us the interpretation of what kind of person the “way side” represents:
Luke 8:11-12 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. (12) Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
In the four types of ground the seed fell upon this is the only one that represents unbelievers. In this case before the seed could germinate the Devil came and took “the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.” On many occasions this is what happens after soul winning; although our hearer was under conviction (John 16:8) he never came to the point where he trusted in Jesus Christ alone as his only savior. After the evangelist (Christian worker) leaves the Devil comes and takes the bible verses out of his heart so he is not able to believe in the Gospel. Often, after these occasions his heart becomes hardened to the Gospel message. There is a difference between hearing the Gospel and believing the Gospel.
In the next two types of ground Jesus used the word “sprung up” in reference to the seed that fell upon the rock, and “sprang up” in reference to the seed which fell among the thorns. He also used “sprang up” in reference to the seed which fell on good ground. This teaches us that life germinated in all three cases. Because of this the last three types of ground can only represent real saints of Jesus Christ who trusted in the Savior for eternal life. In the second type of ground we have an example of how a real Christian can fall away (apostatize) during time of temptation:
Luke 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, RECEIVE the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
This can only represent real Christians. It never says they had a false faith as mainstream Calvinistic teaching would have us believe. It clearly says they believed for a while but fell away during time of temptation. There are many evangelical and fundamental churches that will twist and manipulate a certain word in this parable for the purpose of teaching others that a real Christian cannot commit apostasy. Yet, in the interpretation of the parable itself Jesus Christ tells us life germinated:
Luke 8:6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was SPRUNG UP, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
The fact that the word “sprung up” is used clearly tells us life germinated; thus those spoken of can only represent genuine believers in Jesus Christ. We know this is the case because “sprang up” is also used in reference to the seed that fell on the good ground (Luke 8:8). Secondly, only those who actually receive life are able to wither away as the text indicates. This is one of many examples in the New Testament how genuine saints of Jesus Christ are able to succumb to apostasy because of the manifold temptations that come in their path. One the most disputed passages in the New Testament on the subject of apostasy can be found in Hebrews 6:4-6:
Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Many commentators maintain that those spoken of in this passage were never really born again or trusted in Jesus Christ as their savior. Those who accept this position are usually placed in the theological camp of Calvinism. On the other hand Armenians would argue that this group who committed apostasy represent true children of God, but fell away to the extent that they lose their eternal salvation. A third approach to this passage is that the phrase “if they shall fall away” is used as a supposition; that is to say this really cannot happen to a real saint of Jesus Christ. However verses 7 and 8 effectively argue against this point because it clearly tells us this group is burned at the end because they actually do fall away:
Hebrews 6:7-8 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: (8) But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be BURNED.
Both the Calvinists and the Armenians are quick to tell us that these people go to the lake of fire for all eternity because they are burned at the end. This author believes that these apostates will be raised at the pre-millennial Judgment Seat where they will burn in a fiery second death (1 Cor. 3:17) and lose their soul and body for 1000 years. These servants of the Lord who fell away will then be assigned their portion with the hypocrites and unbelievers (Matthew 24:51; Like 12:46). Then after 1000 years (Rev. 20:5) they will be raised to immortality at the postmillennial Great White Throne Judgment where they will be found written in the book of life (Rev. 20:15). At this time they will have their tears wiped away and death will be removed (Rev. 21:1-4).
It is not difficult to prove that those spoken of in this passage in Hebrews 6:4-6 are genuine saints of Jesus Christ. It is said that they “tasted the heavenly gift” and “they tasted the good word of God,” along with “the powers of the world to come.” In this passage the meaning of the word tasted is intensely debated. One such meaning that is attached to the word is that it represents something less than an actual experience. They usually would derive this meaning outside of the bible from some Lexicon of the original language texts. Yet, one primary principle of interpretation when looking for the meaning of a word is to use the bible itself:
1Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom (Lexicons) teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; COMPARING spiritual things with spiritual.
From this passage we should learn a primary principal of interpretation; that is to say whenever we are studying the biblical text, we should use the bible itself to aid us in our definition of words. I used this principle in two other important places in this book. In the first chapter (dualism of Eternal life) I clearly showed my readership that the word “eternal” in the appropriate context has reference to the “millennial kingdom” in the world to come (Luke 18:28-30; Mark 10:28-30). Then in the last chapter I showed my readers that the term “last day” in John 6:39-40 when compared to the term “last day” in John 12:48 has reference to the Great White Throne Judgment. The question we should be asking ourselves is not what the word “taste” means from some Greek Lexicon, but rather what does the word “taste” mean in the bible itself; more specifically the book of Hebrews:
Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should TASTE DEATH for every man.
When it tells us that Jesus “tasted death for every man” it’s certainly referring to nothing less than an actual experience. Likewise, in Hebrews 6:4-6 when it tells us this group “tasted of the heavenly gift” and “tasted the good word of God,” along with the “powers of the world to come” it is certainly referring to nothing less than an actual experience. When Calvinists tell us that this group is characterized by qualities that represent something short of an actual experience they are simply twisting the words of God. This miss-interpretation on the part of main stream Calvinism has resulted in an inappropriate use of the word salvation in the book of Hebrews and else ware in the New Testament.
Hebrews 6:9-12 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. (10) For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (11) And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: (12) That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
First, notice how this salvation is connected with “our work and labor of love.” This is different than the salvation we receive as a gift when we place our trust in Jesus Christ alone as our savior. This is distinct from the salvation given to us by faith alone (John 3:16; 6:39-40; Romans 3:23-26). Second, notice how this salvation in inherited through faith and PATIENCE. Although in chapter one I discussed how salvation was used in the book of Hebrews; I will repeat the information because of its significance to the coming 1000 year millennial reign of Jesus Christ. Notice how the word “salvation” is used in the preceding chapter before the climactic warning given in chapter six:
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that OBEY HIM;
In chapter one I discussed how the word “eternal” in the appropriate context can have reference to the 1000 year millennial reign of Jesus Christ. If you do not understand this you need to go back and read chapter two again. It clearly tells us we need to obey Jesus Christ in order to earn eternal salvation. It can be derived from the verses that follows that these people are real saints of Jesus Christ who never grew to maturity:
Hebrews 5:12-14 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. (13) For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
These babes in Christ are actually exhorted to leave “the principles of the doctrine of Christ” and move on to perfection. Then we encounter a very interesting verse:
Hebrews 6:3 And this will we do, if God permit.
Then carefully notice that this group spoken of in Hebrews 6:4-6 came into a deeper understanding of some of the deeper truths in the word of God. This would include the Judgment Seat of Christ and the millennial reign of Jesus Christ in the world to come:
Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the POWERS OF THE WORLD TO COME, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
The apostle was concerned that his audience does not fall away from the deeper truths of the word of God. The fact that those in vs. 5 tasted “powers of the world to come” indicate they came to an understanding of some of the deeper truths in the New Testament. This would include the Judgment Seat of Christ and the millennial reign of Jesus Christ.
If they actually do fall away from this after receiving it in their life, it would have been better if they never heard of it in the first place:
2 Peter 2:20, For if after they have ESCAPED the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome , the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21, For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, (Judgment Seat of Christ) than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
This warning is addressed to real Christians otherwise they could not have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is true that a lost person could temporarily escape the pollutions of the world, but he cannot do this through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A lost person’s efforts in escaping the pollutions of the world would be under the power of Satan to keep him from trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ. In this warning passage it clearly says these people escaped the pollutions of the world THROUGH the knowledge of the LORD AND SAVIOR Jesus Christ. The “way of righteousness” has reference to the Judgment Seat of Christ and the practical holiness it should produce.
2 Co 5:10-11 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (11) Knowing therefore the TERROR of the Lord, (at the Judgment Seat) we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
In Matthew’s account of the parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:18-23) the “seed sown” is the “word of the kingdom.” In Luke’s account of the parable of the Sower (Luke 8:11-15) the seed is the “word of God” and so it contains a distinct message from Matthews account of the parable of the Sower. The “word of the kingdom” is the “way of righteousness” spoken of in 2 Peter 2:20. This message pertains to the Judgment Seat of Christ and the coming millennial kingdom, along with the practical fruits of righteousness it should produce (Hebrews 12:12-15).
If any Christian comes to believe in the Judgment Seat of Christ (salvation at the first resurrection) and the spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-26) it should produce and then falls back out into worldliness and sinful living it would have been better if he never heard about this doctrine in the first place. Let it be clearly stated: this is a warning to any Christian who has received this doctrine into his or her life:
Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
The warning passages in the book of Hebrews is primarily speaking of how a Christian can be saved at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and have part in the first resurrection. It clearly tells us that the salvation spoken of in Hebrews 5:9 and 6:9 are earned trough “obedience,” and our “labor of love,” along with “faith and patience.” This should not be confused with the salvation received by faith through Grace in Ephesians 2:8-9. Salvation in the book of Hebrews has reference to how Christians can be saved at the first resurrection rather than the second resurrection on the last day (John 6:39-40). The theme of millennial salvation is emphasized in the book of Hebrews. To begin with in the first chapter there are several passages quoted from the Old Testament all which pertain to the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. Notice how the first chapter closes and how the second chapter begins:
Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Heb 2:1-3 Therefore we (the author includes himself in the warning) ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. (2) For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; (3) How shall WE (REAL SAINST OF JESUS CHRIST) escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;….vs. 5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, (1000 year millennium) whereof WE SPEAK.
First, notice how the author includes himself in the warning by the use of the pronoun “we” indicating that the warning is addressed to genuine Disciples of Christ. Notice how the warning is speaking about the recompense of reward; not absolute eternal salvation given to us by grace through faith alone. Third, notice how this salvation is neglected not rejected. Lost people reject eternal salvation (John 12:48); yet saints of Jesus Christ are able to neglect millennial salvation through the “deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13) and worldliness (James 4:4). Fourth, notice that the salvation in this warning passage has reference to the “world to come.” The 1000 year millennium is the world to come and has nothing to do with the absolute eternal ages in the time after the world to come. Therefore the word “salvation” in Hebrews 1:14; 2:3,10; 5:9 and 6:9 and other warning passages in the book of Hebrews has reference to millennial salvation given at the first resurrection (Luke 18:28-30; Mark 10:28-30); not eternal salvation given at the second resurrection (John 6:39-40). Another warning passage concerning the conditional security of saints of Jesus Christ can be seen in Hebrews 10:26-31:
Hebrews 10:25-30 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (26) For if we (real saints of Jesus Christ) sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, (27) But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (28) He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: (29) Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (30) For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
In order to remove any possibility that those spoken of in this passage are real Christians who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ as their savior; traditional Calvinism interprets the phrase “wherewith he was sanctified” as a reference to Jesus Christ. They usually derive this meaning by the way sanctified is used in John 10:36:
John 10:36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
It is true when you look at this verse Jesus Christ was “sanctified” by the Father; yet, that does not necessarily mean we should take the meaning of the word “sanctified” in this verse and transpose that meaning to Hebrews 10:29. Whenever we define the meaning of a “word” in the bible we should begin with the immediate context; in this passage in would be the book of Hebrews itself:
Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
The word sanctified is used 16 times in the New Testament and 4 times in the book of Hebrews. Outside of John 10:36 the word “sanctified” is never used in reference to Jesus Christ. When looking at the way “sanctified” is used in the book of Hebrews then one should realize that the phrase “wherewith he was sanctified” in Hebrews 10:29 is referring to real saints of Jesus Christ. Look at the passage without reading into it the theological agenda of the Calvinist (that real saints of Jesus Christ cannot fall into apostasy or prolonged carnality):
Hebrews 10:26 For if WE sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,…vs.29: Of how much SORER punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was HE WAS SANCTIFIED, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
The phrase “he be thought worthy” in the same verse has reference to a real person and so the phrase “he was sanctified” has reference to a real person. It would appear that traditional Calvinist (those who believe in Lordship Salvation) never use proper rules of Grammar when interpreting the warning passages in the book of Hebrews. These are real saints of Jesus Christ in this passage who were sanctified by the blood of the covenant. They believed in the gospel (John 3:16), but they fell into carnality and remained in that condition without genuine repentance. In vs. 26 of our passage when referring to this group of people it says “there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.” This is not referring to positional cleansing (Hebrews 10:14), but rather practical cleansing. We have a picture of practical cleansing from the blood of Christ in 1 John:
1John 1:7 But IF WE WALK in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Notice from the above scripture that practical cleansing with the blood of Christ depends on whether we are walking in the light. Notice from the following verse how we are to cleanse our way before the Lord:
Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
In order to take heed unto the word of God we need to pay careful attention to the commandments written throughout the bible. One place you can start is by doing a study on the sins listed in Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:5; and order our life in a way that would help us avoid these sins. Second, you should study the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew five through seven and learn to obey it because it is the key to entering into the millennial kingdom of Christ. We cannot obey the precepts of this sermon on our own or in the power of our own flesh; we must stay connected to the vine and allow him to produce fruits of righteousness in us (John 15:1-6):
Matthew 7:24-25 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and DOETH them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
The rock we need to build our life on is Jesus Christ. We must always be on guard about this so we do not focus our efforts on pleasing men through the power of our own flesh. There are many fundamental churches that have made up a set of manmade rules not found in the bible. When Christians keep these manmade rules in many instances they are doing it through the power of the flesh. You cannot please God in the flesh (Romans 8:8). Other Christians go to the other extreme and go out into the world and commit all kinds of vile sins and become hardened through the deceitfulness of sin:
Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you (real saints of Jesus Christ) be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
As soon as any Christian becomes hardened through the deceitfulness of sin then they have already started walking down the path of sinning willfully! If they continue in this without repentance then they can expect a punishment worse than death at the Judgment Seat of Christ:
Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Any saint of Jesus Christ who falls away during temptation as taught in the parable of the Sower (Luke 8:6,13) is sinning willfully. If he remains in this condition without repentance, he will receive a punishment worse than death at the premillennial Judgment Seat of Christ. He or she will be raised at the premillennial Judgment Seat where he will burn in a fiery second death (cut asunder) and will be assigned his portion with the Hypocrites:
Mat 24:48-51 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; (49) And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; (50) The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, (51) And shall cut him asunder, (second death) and APPOINT HIM his portion with the hypocrites (IN THE PRISON OF Gehenna): there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
This kind of Christian will blotted out of the pre-millennial book of life (Rev. 3:5); yet, since he has believed in the gospel he will be raised up on the last day 1000 years later at the Great White Throne Judgment, where he will be found written in the post-millennial book of life. He will then have his tears wiped away:
Rev 20:13… and they were judged every man (different than whosoever) according to their works…vs. 15 And whosoever (different than everyman) was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev. 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Notice another warning in the book of Hebrews:
Heb 10:35-39 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. (36) For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (37) For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. (38) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
The context of this warning has nothing to do with eternal life one receives as a gift when he trusts in Jesus Christ as his savior. When one places his personal trust in Jesus Christ as savior from sin than he is guaranteed eternal life on the last day at the second resurrection; however in order to avoid millennial judgment he must remain faithful to Jesus Christ through reproaches, trials, and afflictions. Thus the warning in this passage is talking about what one must do in order to be saved at the Judgment Seat of Christ. In order to prove this point carefully notice the previous verses before the warning:
Hebrews 10:32-34 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; (33) Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. (34) For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
The audience here was illuminated and so they were definitely saints of Jesus Christ. They underwent affliction and even became an object of public humiliation (gazingstock) by reproaches and afflictions. They even accepted the plundering of their goods because they were eagerly looking to the reward of the Inheritance. They were losing their soul in this life in order that they may gain it in the world to come. This is a clear example of what Jesus was talking about when he told us we need to lose our soul in order to gain it in the world to come. Compare Matthew 16:24-27; Luke 9:23-26 and Mark 8:34-38. The warning in Hebrews 10:35-39 is addressed to real Christian who might be tempted to give up during persecutions and trials and go back into worldly covetous living:
Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
If this warning is not addressed to real Christians than it is meaningless; a lost man has nothing to draw back from and so the warning is definitely addressed to those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ. If those in this warning did not remain faithful through afflictions and persecutions than they would not receive the salvation of their soul; and would instead receive millennial judgment. The word “perdition” according to various English dictionaries can also mean “ruin” or “destruction.” This passage is referring to a millennial judgment lasting for a thousand years. In the next chapter we will discover there will be unfaithful Christians who are cast into “outer darkness” and “Gehenna.” They will lose their soul for 1000 years and at the post-millennial Great White Throne Judgment be raised to eternal life.
Luke 8:7-8 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with IT, and choked it. (8) And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear let him hear.
This is a second class of unfaithful Christians. They are not apostates just disused in the warning passages in the book of Hebrews or those who fall away (Luke 8:13). Those in this passage appear to be Christians who get entangled with the world. A careful reading of the text shows us that the seed sprang up with the thorns. Therefore life did germinate with the seed which fell among thorns. Therefore the seed which fell among the thorns can only represent genuine saints of Jesus Christ. In the interpretation it tells us they brought no fruit to perfection (maturity):
Luke 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
In the other two accounts of the parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:22, Mark 4:19) Jesus said these individuals “becometh unfruitful” indicating at one time they did bear some fruit. It is simply not true when commentators tell us that these individuals never had any fruit. They on some occasions have Christ-like fruit, except as the text in Luke 8:14 indicate; cares, riches, pleasures of this life choke the fruit out. There are four dangers which overcome these saints and cause them to become unfruitful. First, you have the “care of this world.” Second, you have the “deceitfulness of riches.” Third, you have the “pleasures of this life” and fourth you have the “lusts of other things.” Notice from the following verse that “abiding forever” is conditioned upon not loving the world or the things in the world:
1John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father IS NOT IN HIM. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God ABIDETH FOREVER.
We know from the previous context that this warning about loving the world is addressed to real Christians:
1Johnn 2:12-14 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you (real Christians) for his name’s sake. (13) I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. (14) I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth (real Christians) in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
The command in 1 John 2:15-17 is addressed to real Christians! The warning could not have been stated any clearer! If any Christian loves the world or the things in the world, than the love of the Father is not in him. As you compare vs. 15 and 17 it becomes very clear that any Christian that loves the world or the things in the world is not doing the will of God. He will not abide forever because he will be hurt of the second death for 1000 years because he was overcome by the world:
Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh (IS NOT OVERCOMED by the world, the flesh, and the Devil) shall not be hurt of the second death.
After 1000 years, (Rev. 20:5) all Christians who did not overcome the world, the flesh, and the Devil, will be raised to immortality at the second resurrection on the last day at the Great White Throne Judgment. Yet, in order for a Christian to have part in first resurrection they must be characterized by peace and holiness:
Heb 12:12-16 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; (13) And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. (14) FOLLOW AFTER peace with all men, and HOLINESS, without which no man shall see the Lord: (15) Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; (16) Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
The holiness spoken of in this verse is not referring to keeping a set of manmade rules generated under the power of the flesh. We can only become holy from God’s perspective when we abide in Christ and allow him through our inner man (Ephesians 3:16) to produce the fruit of the Spirit in our life (Galatians 5:23-26). There are many Christians who will forfeit their birthright (first resurrection) because they were overcome with the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the pleasures of this life. They did not follow after holiness because they became friends with this world:
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever (including real Christians) therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
In this passage of scripture James was rebuking Christian brethren scattered among the twelve tribes (James 1:1-2). He clearly told them they were adulterers and adulteresses because of their friendship with the world. The passage clearly teaches us that real Christians can make themselves any enemy of God by becoming friends with the world. The whole world lieth in wickedness (1 John 5:20); therefore we need to use discernment regarding the things we allow to come into our life or else we will be deceived by the Devil. In order to escape deception we must allow Jesus Christ to become a part of every aspect of our life. There will be many occasions in life when we under the leadership of the Holy Spirit may have to pluck things out of our life that are unproductive and sinful:
Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
In this passage of scripture it’s using the eye as a figure of speech to represent any object the eye would look upon to cause one to sin. The parallel passage to this is in Psalm 101:3:
Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before MINE EYES: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
There are many multi-media objects like the television and computer that can lead a Christian into all kinds of vile sins. If you find that these objects are leading you into sin than it would be better to pluck them out of your home than to become overcome by sinful behavior. Because of the dangers of multi-media objects they should be used in productive ways with moderation:
Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
The only way any Christian can inherit the kingdom of God is by keeping the word of God and bringing forth fruit with patience. In the second epistle of Peter there are seven character qualities one should add to his or her faith in order to keep oneself from becoming barren and unfruitful in the Knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ:
2Peter 1:4-9 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (5) And beside this, giving all diligence, ADD to your faith (showing that these are different than faith itself) virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; (7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
In order to bring forth fruit with patience we must add seven character qualities to our faith. Peter tells us this must be done with all diligence. According to Webster’s third International Dictionary: diligence is a “constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.” We must use diligent care in exercising obedience to what Peter is telling us.
The fact that we have to add these qualities to our faith shows us that they are separate and distinct from faith itself. Therefore these qualities do not need to be present in order for faith to exist. It is a frightening reality that each one of us is capable of being barren and unfruitful if we are not careful to add and maintain these qualities to our faith. Those who are careful in adding these qualities to their faith are adding gold, silver, and precious stones to their foundation. If we are not careful in adding these qualities to our faith than we will be led away with the error of the wicked:
2Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, (genuine Christians) seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.
This verse teaches us that it’s possible for a real Christian to fall from his own steadfastness and be led away with the error of the wicked. In order to prevent this from happening we need to add “virtue” to our faith. One definition of virtue is “moral excellence.” In order to have moral excellence one must be careful to keep himself unspotted from the world:
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
In vs. 5 of our text (2 Peter 1:6-9) we should be diligent in adding knowledge to virtue. In order to do this we must be diligent in the reading and studying of God’s word:
2 Timothy 2:15 STUDY to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
In order for one to rightly divide the word of truth he must make a distinction between the different aspects of eternal life. The first aspect of eternal is given to us as a gift when we place our trust in Jesus Christ as our only savior (John 3:14-16). This guarantees us resurrection to immortality on the last day at the second resurrection (Rev. 20:15). The second aspect of eternal life is earned as a reward at the first resurrection if we sow to the Spirit (Galatians 6:8). In order to rightly divide the truth we need to make a distinction between the 1ooo year millennium (Rev. 20:1-6) and the eternal ages that follow the millennium (Rev. 20:12-21:4). In order to rightly divide many of the prophetic scriptures one must make a distinction between the Jews, the Gentiles, and the church of God:
1Corinthians 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
There is also a cleansing that comes into the life of a believer that keeps the word of God:
Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (26) That he MIGHT (element of uncertainty) sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (27) That he MIGHT (element of uncertainty) present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
In order for us to be presented without spot or wrinkle at the Judgment Seat of Christ we must allow the word of God to cleanse us by taking heed to the word of God:
Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by TAKING HEED thereto according to thy word.
We should also become companions of those that keep the commandments of the Lord:
Psalm 119:63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
In vs. 6 of our text (2 Peter 1:4-9) we need to add temperance to knowledge. In Webster’s 1913 Unabridged Dictionary the word temperance is defined in the following way: “moderation or self-restraint in action.” The apostle Paul clearly has this idea in view in regard to our “bodies” in 1 Corinthians 9:27:
1Co 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: (27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Notice in the above verse that the scriptures teach that we need to exercise restraint in all things. We must mortify our various members which would cause us to sin and become unholy (Colossians 3:5); but rather we should yield ourselves as servants of righteousness (Romans 6:13). It is very important that we mortify any of our members which would cause us to sin (Matthew 5:29-30). Then we are commanded to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God (Romans 12:1-2).
I must emphasize that none of the above requirements can be kept with the power of our own flesh. We are told in Eph. 4:22 to put of the Old man and in vs. 24 we are told to put on the new man. It is only when we stay connected to our vine the Lord Jesus Christ are we able to meet the requirements given in the Sermon on the Mount. It is only when we abide in Jesus Christ are we than able to present our bodies a living sacrifice unto God:
Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
What many fundamental Christians do not understand is that we do not make our bodies a living sacrifice by keeping a set of manmade rules under the power of the flesh. We are able to make our bodies a living sacrifice by abiding in Jesus Christ and allowing him to produce spiritual fruit through us. In vs. 6 of our text (2 Peter 1:4-9) we are told to add patience to temperance. It is going to require a great deal of patience in order for us to offer up our bodies as a living sacrifice when we live in a world full of wickedness and ungodliness. We must lose our soul in this life in order to do this properly. The last three qualities should add to our faith is godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. Notice what Peter says about those who add these seven qualities to their faith:
2Peter 1:8-9 For if these things be in you, (the seven qualities mentioned in vss. 5-7) and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
In the parable of the Sower we are warned about becoming overcome by cares, riches, and pleasures of this life (Luke 8:13). If we are overcome by these worldly activities than we will lose the reward of the Inheritance at the Judgment Seat of Christ; and will miss the kingdom. On a daily basis we need to put off the old man (Eph. 4:22). Then we need to renewed in the Spirit of our mind and put on the new man (Eph. 4:23-24). If we are careful about these things than we will stay connected to our vine; the Lord Jesus Christ and then we can become a peculiar people for His name:
1Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye SHOULD shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
That being said, like Peter’s audience we (myself included) need to be constantly reminded to add to our faith those seven qualities (2 Peter: 1:5-7) which could bring us and abundant entrance into the millennial kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ….2 Peter 1:10-12 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (12) Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
Carefully notice Robert Govetts astute observation concerning this passage:
The saint is here instructed to be diligent, because his calling and election depend on it. But how can this be true?
Is it not the election to eternal life already fixed? Was it not decided before the foundation of the world? Yes. Was it not God’s sovereignty, before doing of ought, good or evil, on our part? Yes. Rom. 9:8-16. “Not by works of righteousness which we did, but according to His mercy He saved us:” Tit. 3:5.
It is of calling and election, then, to something else that the apostle is here speaking. What that is, has been often before made apparent. It is expressed by the apostle himself, a little lower down. He is speaking in reference to the kingdom of Christ. It is a calling and election of those previously elected to eternal life, and already righteous by faith in Christ.
To this kingdom believers have a call. “Walk worthy of God, Who calleth you unto his kingdom and glory:” 1 Thessalonians 2:12. The choice by Christ of some for his kingdom, we saw, in the three taken up into the Mount of Transfiguration. This choice is “according to our works.”
Believers are the more called to diligence concerning this, by a consideration of the future results of such diligence. Our election to the kingdom depends on it. A sense of self interest, then, is to quicken our steps. (Entrance into the Kingdom by Robert Govett; Pgs. 379, 380)