Let us look into the four different types of people who at least heard the gospel, but only one type of person who is saved. This is according to what Jesus taught. We will read what He said when giving us the explanation of the parable of the sower. And in regards to the first person, Jesus said, “now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 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.” (Luke 8:11,12) These are those who heard the good news of the gospel by way of the Word of God, most likely at a church service or by way of a preacher or evangelist. However, because they were not grounded in the faith, but only heard as they were coming and going, it is easy for Satan to make that person doubt what they learned and leave it behind. As for the second type of person, Jesus said, “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.” (Luke 8:13) In the beginning, the heart of these people is actually in the right place, for with joy do they want to know the truth of God. However, because they are not born again or armored with the Holy Spirit, the temptations of the devil are too strong for them to bear. So in their sins do they begin to justify their sinful lifestyle and drift apart from God. This is too bad since the Lord’s mercy is for those that repent and allow Him to change their lives. If they just knew that allowing God to transform their lives is the only way that salvation can truly come, then people would be calling upon God in all their confessions.
As for the third person, Jesus said, “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.” (Luke 8:14) These people are in the faith for a time, but because their friends are of the world, their faith is choked out. Therefore, they begin to see life the way their friends do instead of doing God’s will. That is why experiencing life, becoming rich, leads them apart from God’s perfection, which is living in His holiness and living by His commands. These same people often think they can repent later, but most times that day never comes, which is very sad. Now, as for the fourth type of person who is actually saved, there is a big difference between them and the previous three people. Jesus said, “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.” (Luke 8:15) So their faith actually bears fruit. They are on good ground for they live their lives to serve God. He is their God and abiding by His will and living in the Spirit makes them happy. Lastly, Jesus said, “take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.” (Luke 8:18) Many people in the faith believe they are saved. And continuing to give in to temptation, because of the lack of prayer, they have been led away into fleshly pleasures. This is the pathway to hell come death. Therefore, do they lose that salvation which they thought they had. If they had just produced fruit based on their faith in Jesus, things would be different.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will humble themselves before You. That they would not allow the temptations of the devil to turn their hearts against You. The evil one knows exactly what causes a person to stumble, so unless they are born again, then they will continue to be afflicted. So I pray that people will turn to You for salvation. That they will be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Only then can they be led by Your hand and not by their own fleshly desires. Our flesh is weak when we are living this life alone, but made strong when You have a hand in it. And concerning people who continue to hang out with friends that are not in the faith, this is only going to cause them to stumble. Unless You are with them, leading by example in Your light, these same people will eventually fall by way of the darkness that their friends are leading them in. Even will they cause them to sin and also justify their actions. For they may say that they are young and have a right to experience life. Later they can repent. And again, so many people think this way, as did the prodigal son. However, praise God that he returned to his father before it was too late. As for other people who procrastinate their day of repentance, most often this is forgotten and they get so consumed with the life they are living that it never comes. Only people who continue to hear Your Word and allow You to come into their lives are saved. For only by allowing You to do a work in their lives are there fruits that are made evident. So it is my prayer that people remember You in their everyday lives. That they will continue to pray often, read and study the Bible daily, and seek and do Your will. This will lead them unto salvation. I love You, Lord. I give You glory and praise. Amen.
