The parable of the sower

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The parable of the sower is an important parable because it explains the different states of professing believers and how that relates to salvation.

Below is a chart showing what each gospel tells us about the four soils. Sometimes there is confusion about this parable. Some believe it shows that we can lose our salvation. Yet, this is not what it shows at all. When we put it together the picture is clear. Let's look:

Parable of the Sower: Mark 4:13 ..Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

	WAYSIDE	STONY GROUND/ROCK	THORNS	GOOD SOIL
MATTHEW	13:19 Does not understand wicked one takes away word	13:20 hears receives w/joy no root offended at tribulations	13:21 Hears Cares of world make unfruitful	13:23 Hears Understands Bears fruit
MARK	4:15 Hear The word is immediately taken away by satan	4:16 Receive with gladness but no root Endure for a time until persecution	4:17 Hear Cares of world choke	4:20 Hear Receive it Bring fruit
LUKE	8:12 Hear Devil takes away word in heart LEST they believe and be saved	8:13 Hear Receive with joy Fall away in time of temptation	8:14 Heard Choked by pleasures No fruit to perfection (KJ) “mature fruit” (ESV)	8:15 In honest & good heart Hear Brings forth fruit with patience
Summary: Picture of all types of believers: Non believer Emotional “believer” Baby “Christian” that never grows Those that endure to the end with patience (saved)	Never saved (Lk 8:12)	Never says these believe, understood or brings forth fruit. Plant can endure for a time,  but not bring forth fruit	Never says these believe, understood or brings forth mature fruit. Plant can endure for a time, but not bring forth mature fruit. Warning to long term “baby Christians” /  “carnal Christians” that don’t ever grow	It was sown in an honest and good heart. (Who makes our hearts honest and good? Not in our natural state - Jer 17:9 - it is God (Eze 11:19) Heard Received Understood Bore fruit with patience (see Heb 10:36)

[Jesus] answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. - Matthew 15:13 ESV