Calvinism and the Four Soils
Luke 8:4-18
Introduction
Is the Lord Referring to a Regenerate or Unregenerate Person Here?
Why Two Extra Soils?
The Calvinist Understanding:
Only Soil 4 Represents Born-Again People
The fourth soil is viewed as one who is truly born again since he perseveres in
faith and good works to the end.
See, for example, the Reformed Baptist blog by Keith Throop. He says,
“Application: The application here is pretty obvious. You and I can be assured that we
have genuinely understood the Word and have been transformed by it when we see
genuine fruit in our lives. Do you have such fruit? Even just a little? Then be encouraged,
for you have passed the test that Jesus gives here…”
In 2010 gracemessenger.com had a blog entitled, “The Parable of the Sower and
Calvinism.” The author says, “I am unable to see how this parable destroys Calvinism. If
anything, God's Sovereignty shines through in this parable. The opposite would have to
be true then. How can this parable support the Arminian position?”
An Arminian article entitled, “The Parable of the Sower and Man’s
Responsibility” (at bibletruths.net) points out that the parable is not simply about
believing, but also about remaining faithful after believing. While the author concludes
one must endure to retain salvation, the overall point about responsibility is clear.
The Telling of the Parable Contradicts Calvinism
(Luke 8:4-10)
1. The seed appears to be the saving message, the message of life. (This is
confirmed in the interpretation section.)
2. The second, third, and fourth soils all “spring up,” showing that the message
of life has germinated. Life has begun. Everlasting life has begun.
The Lord’s Interpretation of the Parable Contradicts Calvinism
(Luke 8:11-15)
1. Soil one does not believe and is not saved.
2. Satan tries hard to keep people from believing and being saved (because
he believes in eternal security).
3. Soil two believes and is saved and later falls away (apostasy).
4. Soils three and four also believe (implied by the progression from worst to
best, though not stated directly) and persevere in belief.
5. Soil three does not bring forth mature fruit. Thus half-heartedness (being
distracted by cares, riches, and the pleasures of life) does not invalidate the
new birth (or even some level of eternal rewards).
6. Only soil four brings forth mature fruit.
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Calvinism & the 4 Soils (Luke 8:4-18)
The Lord’s Application of the Parable Contradicts Calvinism
(Luke 8:16-18)
The key words are take heed how you hear.
1. Take heed how you hear in this context concerns application of Scripture,
not believing to be born again.
2. The application concerns future judgment of our works at the Bema, the
Judgment Seat of Christ.
3. Luke 8:18 is parallel to another Bema passage in Luke, Luke 19:16-26, see
esp. Luke 19:26).
4. The application section shows that any believer might move from soil 4
backwards or from soil 2 or 3 forwards. All believers are in danger of
falling away. And all believers are capable of being the good soil.
A Comparison with the Parable of Minas
(Luke 8:5-18 & 19:11-27) Conclusively Contradicts Calvinism
When we compare the Parable of the Minas with the Parable of the Sower and the
Four Soils, we see that they have much in common:
1. The wayside soil (on the path) is equal to those enemies of Jesus in Luke 19:14,
27 (representing unbelieving Israel).
2. The rocky soil is equal to the third servant who buries his mina (Luke 19:20-26).
The Lord Jesus actually calls him a wicked servant in Luke 19:22.
3. The weedy soil is equal to the second servant who only comes back with five
minas (Luke 19:18-19). He is not called a wicked or a good servant. He is not
told, “Well done, good servant,” like the first servant (Luke 19:17). Compare
Luke 19:17 and Luke 19:19. He just hears, “You also be over five cities.”
4. The good soil is equal to the good servant (Luke 19:16-17). This is the one who
hears, “Well done, good servant” (Luke 19:17) and who receives authority over
ten cities.
Conclusion
This passage, directed to believers, is really a warning not about eternal destiny,
but about our present spiritual vitality and our future eternal reward.
This passage can easily be seen to contradict Calvinism.
Obviously it is impossible to be sure that you will be the fourth soil. Hence if the
Calvinist understanding is correct, then it is impossible to be sure that you are born again.
Assurance is impossible according to Calvinism.
Bottom line: to be the good soil we must take heed how we hear the Word of God
each day! Take heed how you hear the Word of God. The Lord Jesus is coming soon, any
day now. Present and eternal blessings hand in the balance.