Jesus is the Seed of Truth
Hebrews 6:1-8, Matthew 13:1-9, Matthew 12:33-37, Galatians 5:20
The introductory verses of chapter 6 are a continuation of the author’s challenge in chapter 5, to move past spiritual immaturity and into deeper wisdom and a closer following of Christ.
But here they take it a step further as to why this is important. In verses 4-6 the author states that it is impossible for those who have been “enlightened,” meaning knowing the gospel message and having made a confession, and then fallen away to be restored in repentance. This is not the small backslide, season of doubt, or long term struggle with sin the author is speaking of, but an outward denunciation of their faith in Christ. Due to their renunciation of faith, they are in the very opposite of belief in Christ but condemning him as deserving of death on the cross.
In verses 7-8 the author compares potential responses to the gospel message: If rain falls on the land and it produces a crop, it brings glory to God and He blesses it. If rain falls on the land and instead of a crop it produces thorns and thistles, this is worthless and is to be burned. The same point is made in the parable of the sower in Matthew chapter 13. The sower is sowing seeds, 3 types of soil led to no growth, only one soil produced a crop. Jesus finishes that parable by saying “He who has ears, let him hear.”
Listen to Jesus, the seed of truth, align your heart to be healthy soil. The author of Hebrews is imploring us to be good soil. The rain and the seed have been presented in the gospel. Our response as the soil will either lead to growth and maturity in following Jesus or it will lead to withering and a rejection of the gospel to the point of contempt towards Christ.
We must take this seriously. It is imperative that we respond to the gospel daily. We must abide, repent and believe routinely, and surround ourselves with brothers and sisters who will call us out and push us towards Christ. If we are not constantly fighting for our faith we will believe lies and we will wither. Withering can lead to self-reliance, a works based faith, a rejection of Jesus. We will be held responsible for our response to Jesus and to the gospel.
Take some time to process, is your heart currently good soil? Do you have any heart posture that if left unchecked will lead to withering? Bring this to Jesus, seek him, and develop a heart of good soil that will lead to growth throughout your whole life.
