The article "The Resurrection-Day a Man's Reaping-Day" by Benjamin Keach addresses the theological doctrine of resurrection and eschatology, particularly focusing on the reaping metaphor as it relates to spiritual sowing in life. Keach asserts that individuals sow either to the flesh or to the Spirit, and their resurrection will reflect the nature of their spiritual sowing (Galatians 6:7-9). He emphasizes that the quantity and quality of one's spiritual efforts will dictate the degree of glory experienced in the resurrection, illustrating with Scripture from 2 Corinthians 9:6 and 1 Corinthians 15:41-42. The practical significance of Keach's argument lies in the encouragement for believers to pursue righteousness and service to God, knowing that their eternal reward will be proportionate to their earthly labor, thereby motivating a life of faithful obedience.
Key Quotes
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
“He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
“A Man's Reaping-time is his rejoicing time.”
“The saints' spiritual Reaping-Day will be their rejoicing-day.”
What does the Bible say about sowing and reaping?
The Bible teaches that we reap what we sow, whether to the flesh or the Spirit, with eternal consequences.
Moreover, 1 Corinthians 15:41-42 draws a vivid parallel between the resurrection and the different glories of the sun, moon, and stars, indicating that even in resurrection, there will be degrees of glory based on what one has sown in life. The encouraged believer is reminded not to grow weary but to keep sowing, for they will reap if they faint not (Galatians 6:9). This doctrine of sowing and reaping serves as both a warning and an incentive for Christians to live a life aligned with the Spirit, knowing the eternal joys awaiting them.
Galatians 6:7-9, 2 Corinthians 9:6, 1 Corinthians 15:41-42
Why is the Resurrection important for Christians?
The Resurrection is crucial as it signifies the victory over sin and death, assuring believers of eternal life.
Furthermore, the Resurrection provides a powerful hope which encourages believers amidst trials and sufferings. The promise that 'he that sows in tears shall reap in joy' (Psalm 126:5) reflects the joy that awaits believers who endure in faith. Our present sufferings, as described in Romans 8:18, cannot be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us, reinforcing the significance of the Resurrection as both a present assurance and a future expectation for all Christians.
1 Corinthians 15:20, 1 Corinthians 15:22, Romans 8:18, Psalm 126:5
How do we know the doctrine of sowing and reaping is true?
We know the doctrine of sowing and reaping is true through Scripture, which emphasizes this moral and spiritual principle consistently.
Furthermore, the teachings of Christ and the apostles emphasize this doctrine, showcasing that faithfulness in our earthly lives has implications for our eternal state. In 2 Corinthians 9:6, the promise that those who sow bountifully will also reap bountifully aligns with the understanding that God rewards his people for their service and faithfulness. By witnessing the consistent pattern of sowing and reaping in the life of believers and its fulfillment as promised in Scripture, we can confidently affirm the truth of this doctrine.
Galatians 6:7-8, 2 Corinthians 9:6
THE RESURRECTION-DAY A MAN'S REAPING-DAY
"They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy," Ps 126:5.
"In due season we shall reap if we faint not" Ga 6:9.
The Resurrection-day is a Man's Reaping-Day.
PARALLELS.
I. MEN sow before they reap: so men in this world may be said to sow; either they sow to the flesh, or to the Spirit, and in the Resurrection-Day they shall reap.
II. That which Men sow, that also they reap; they do not sow beans, and reap barley; nor sow tares, and reap wheat: so the very same that all men in a spiritual sense sow, they shall reap; they that sow to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption, and they that sow to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting, Ga 6.
III. Accordingly to the quantity that every man sows, so they reap; he that sows sparingly, or but a little seed, must expect to reap sparingly, or have but a small crop: so they who do much service for God, or scatter liberally abroad to his people in this world, shall receive much from the hands of God at the end of the world; and he that doth but little for God, though he doth it in sincerity, must expect to reap accordingly in that day. He that improves two talents, shall receive the improvement of two; and he that improves five, the improvements of five. There will be degrees of glory, no doubt, in the day of the Resurrection.
"But this, I say, he which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully," 2Co 9:6.
"There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory: so also is the Resurrection of the dead," &c, 1Co 15:41-42.
And, "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for evermore," Da 12:3.
IV. A Man's Reaping-time is his rejoicing time. With what joy and gladness doth the husbandman gather in the fruits of the earth: so the saints' spiritual Reaping-Day will be their rejoicing-day. He that sows in tears, shall reap in joy.
V. When the Reaping-time is come, a Man gathers in the fruit or harvest of divers sorts of seed, &c. So in the day of the resurrection, the godly shall reap or gather in the comfort and increase of divers sorts of seed by them sown. They shall then reap the fruit of all the good sermons they have heard, and reap the last fruit of all, the spiritual prayers they have made, the fruit of all the tears of godly contrition they have shed; and all the sighs and groans they have uttered. They shall reap the fruit of all the good thoughts they have had, and of all the good words they have spoken, and all the good works they have; as also the fruit of all the evil, which for Christ's sake they have undergone.
Object. Is not a saint's dying-day his Reaping-day?
Answ. A saint at death gathers the first ripe fruits, as it were, but his harvest is not till the last day.
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