I didn't intend to sound short, although my shortness might've accompanied my writing, nonetheless. So, my apologies are due in that case. The hot links for verses is automatically formatted within the formatting, but it can really only be seen as successful only after posting. Sometimes writing it out is effective, but I've notice that Chapter abbreviations have proven to be more reliable, i.e. Jn 3:16 as opposed to John 3:16. I'd have to make special note to check and see if parenthetical citations are more reliable in linking in better chance to linking with regard to the long form ... (John 3:16).
Thanks.
But I'm trained to actually post scripture so it's become a habit.
re: Luke 8:13
The specification of the root seems to separate the good soil from the other soils. The good soil yields the only good result, and so I think it appropriate that we consider it's beginning in comparison as the result is made obvious. For instance, weak roots are the foreground of the stoney ground and thorns are factored in another case of adverse effect.
Agreed.
And I've always taken this into consideration.
Let me continue and then we'll see.
For now I'll just say that, yes, there are differing types of believers.
Some are well-rooted and can withstand tribulation.
Some are not.
Some never take root.
I had edited my original of your reply in this case, but it was after you had already prompted the reply. (Thank you for such a prompt reply, btw. Again, it's not my intention to come through so short.)
No problem Mem.
You don't seem curt to me at all.
I enjoy good conversation...whether or not we agree.
In it, I noted a reminder of the word translated as "confidence" which I'm assuming pointed toward the word 'trust' or something similar. And, imo, applying an understanding of the soils in terms of "confidence" levels makes all the difference in the elaboration of the definition of belief/faith.
From where have you gotten the idea of confidence?
I don't see it in Matthew 13 or Luke 8.
I could have missed it.
The rocky ground believes, but doesn't trust, as if it shows a desire to hope but its slim and slim roots wither too readily. The thorny ground entertains a hope, but the thorns choke it out. But it occurs to me that that the good ground is necessarily free of birds, stones, or thorns, but does necessarily take good root, by which the seed can endure all the above.
Of course,,,the ground represents different types of believers.
Let's try from
Luke 8:5-8
5 "The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled under foot and the birds of the air ate it up.
6 "Other seed fell on rocky soil, and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
7 "Other seed fell among * the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it out.
8 "Other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great." As He said these things, He would call out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Verse 5 The word had no chance...it was immediately trampled underfoot.
Verse 6 the seed DID grow up....but it withered away due to lack of moisture (tribulation).
Verse 7 these have heard,,,,but they do not receive with joy....the word is choked.
Verse 8 This seed fell onto good soil. It grew up. It produced a crop.
Then Jesus explains the different soils.
Verse 5/12 The devil is successful in taking away the Word of God.
I liken these to unbelievers who close their ears and refuse to even listen to the Word.
Verse 6/13 These DO hear the word and RECEIVE IT with joy. But the root is not firm...they are not mature.
Jesus said they believe for a while....we must ask WHAT they believed. If one believes,,,for the time that he believes...he will be saved.
In time of temptation (immaturity or whatever reason - the NT gives several) they FALL AWAY. We must ask from WHAT are they falling away.
They must surely be falling away from their faith....believers have faith. Paul states that some will fall away from faith.dd
Verse 7/14 These were more interested in the world than their salvation. They are not at peace...they worry and are choked.
Verse 8/15 This is indeed the good soil. These have heard the word and it goes deep into their heart.
They HOLD IT FAST...as we are told to do --- will provide scriputre if we continue.
and
They produce fruit...as Jesus taught we are to do..... ditto.
I believe this is scriptural understanding of these verses with no need to go to any other passages...although they do exist.
