In this daily Bible reading is the parable of the sower who sowed his seeds on various soils. The seed represented the Word of God. The soils were various people.
The first seed fell by the road and the birds ate it up. These are the people who hear the word, but Satan prevents them from understanding it.
The second seed fell on rocky ground with shallow soil. It grew rapidly but had no deep-root and died. These are the people who hear the word and receive it with enthusiasm. However, when trials come into their lives they fall away from belief in the Word of God.
The third seed fell among thorns which choked out the plant as it grew. These are the people who hear the Word of God. However, the worries of the world and the deceitfulness of riches detract them from living their lives according to the Word of God.
The fourth seed fell on good soil and grew to healthy plants. These are the people who hear and believe the Word of God and apply it in their lives. Their lives yield much fruit.
Many churches today teach that we can be assured of our salvation by professing belief in Jesus. However, if one examines this parable, the people who represent the shallow soil believe with enthusiasm but fall away from their belief when trials enter their lives. Therefore, this parable doesn’t seem to support the ‘assurance of salvation’ doctrine.
