The Bible employs various symbols to illustrate the Word of God. The word “seed” is found 276 times in the Bible (ASV 1901). It is used literally, when God said, “Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed…” (Genesis 1:11). An example of figurative usage is when, after the murder of Abel, Eve said, “God hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel” (Genesis 4:25). Eve used “seed” to refer to another offspring or descendant. Literal seed possesses some qualities that can help explain benefits of the Word of God.
Seed Produces after Its Kind
James asked a series of rhetorical questions. “[C]an a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs?” The answers were obvious. Figs produce figs and vines don’t produce figs! Repeatedly in the creation narrative the reoccurring phrase is found: “after their kind” (Genesis 1:11-12, 21, 24-25).
This principle holds true in the spiritual realm. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). The Word of God is likened unto seed (see also 1 Peter 1:22-23). “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). When the pure seed (Word of God) was planted (taught) in the first century, it produced Christians; “the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). What if we teach (plant) the exact message (seed) today? What will it produce? The Bible only produces Christians only! If the Bible alone is taught, it will produce what it yielded in the first century. There were no denominational churches in the first century. It takes hybrid seed to produce a hybrid plant.
Growth Is Affected by Soil Conditions
In the Parable of the Sower, the soils represent the human heart. Read Luke 8:11-15. Note the four soils: (1) “Wayside,” a hard heart (v.12). (2) “Rocky,” ‘for a while believe…fall away’ (v.13). (3) “Thorny,” choked by cares, riches and pleasures of life (v.14). (4) “Good,” honest and good heart (v.15). What kind of soil are you?
Have you ever considered that the same teaching that was preached in the first century will produce the same thing today – 2,000 years later? The one Gospel (Galatians 1:6-9) produces Christians, which make up the one body (Ephesians 4:4). The pure Seed is the key to religious unity!
