“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
(Galatians 6:7)
Multiple biblical texts make it clear that the written Word of God is to be honored, accepted, and acted upon because it is God Himself speaking; his Word is a direct expression of his Person. (In fact, this helps explain why the Apostle John referred to the incarnate Christ as the “Word” in the first chapter of his Gospel, 1:1, 14).
One such text is found in 11 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” which, in the original Greek, means “God-breathed.” Peter affirms this same truth in 11 Peter 1:21, “… prophecy [Scripture] came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost [the third Person of the Trinity].”
Further, Hebrews 4:12 tells us that God’s Word is alive, powerful, and effective for the purposes of accomplishing his work and will in the hearts of mankind. Anytime anyone in Scripture encountered a visible manifestation of God on earth, they were significantly affected (e.g., Jacob in Genesis 32). In much the same way, anytime we encounter the “alive” Word of God (through preaching, teaching, reading, meditating, etc.), we can expect to be affected.
One reason is because God Himself declared in Isaiah 55:11, “My Word shall not return to me void [ineffective].” God’s Word, as a direct expression of Himself, shall accomplish the end for which he intends it. In fact, the very decrees of heaven are executed by the Gospel. Some souls shall be quickened, and others shall be slain by the words of God’s mouth (Ezek. 47:9-10). As John Flavel said, “The Gospel is a river of the waters of life, which quickens and refreshes everything that lives; but the mire and marish places will not be healed.”[1]
How significant, then, is that caution of our blessed Lord in Luke 8:18, “Take heed how you hear!” Once the Word of God is preached, the sermon is done, as well as your hearing of it. But the consequences and outcomes abide forever. Therefore, we should beware of inattentive ears, drowsy eyes, and wandering thoughts. When we come to listen to the Gospel, allow only such thoughts as those that prepare your mind and heart to hear it, receive it, and obey it!
Christ directs his ministers to “shake the dust off their feet” as a testimony against all those who despise God’s messengers and reject the Gospel message (Mark 6:11). Christ did this himself during his earthly ministry. He cursed the cities of Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Chorazin for they experienced the majority of his miracles and sat under the bulk of his teaching… but still refused to believe. This should leave no doubt that he will do the same in the day of judgment to those who continue to despise his Word and his messengers.
In other words, those who reject the invitation and truth of the Gospel in the here and now will most assuredly be rejected and marked for eternal damnation in the hereafter. For as Scripture promises… we reap what we sow.
Contemplations:
- What a fearful condemnation is added to our sin and misery, that we are not only accountable for all the light we have been given but for all that we might have had in the day of the Gospel!
- Lord, you will bring everything into judgment (Eccl. 12:14) – not only sinful actions but also words (Matt. 12:36), and not only words but also secrets of the heart (Rom. 2:16). If all the Records and Registers now made shall then be opened and read, all the witnesses for or against every man examined and heard, we should consider what a vast space of time will that great day take up.
- Lord, I must be aware of how invaluable a mercy it is that you are yet within the reach of offered grace… that I may continue to reap beneficial rewards from your Word now while there is still time.
- Lord, those born in a land where Bibles and ministers are plenteous get to experience one of your special mercies. Allow me to enjoy the vast blessing that is mine in this.
Further References for Galatians 6:7:
1 Cor. 6:9; Job 4:8; Prov. 22:8; 1 John 3:7
[1] John Flavel, England’s Duty under the Present Gospel Liberty (London: Printed for Matthew Wotton .., 1689), 13.
