A crop useful.

Hebrews 6:4-8, For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.

We ought to consider this seriously, that there are some who are outwardly believers in Christ but after a time fall away. They have only but tasted the goodness of the word of God, but have not received Christ and been sealed by the Holy Spirit. It is God who enables us to hear the good news and who awakens our dead heart, who gives us His new birth and seals us with His Holy Spirit. And there is confirmation in our faith as it produces His good fruit. Have we come to Him in outward show only, or have we come fully realizing our great need, turning from sin and towards Him who is ready to impart His new life to us? Are we abiding in Him as the branches abide in a vine and produce His good fruit?

Thank You for Your promise that as many as receive You have given us the right to be born again as Your children.

ESV Lectionary