How do advocates of a strict perseverance of the saints doctrine explain the Parable of the Sower? That is, how does someone who believe that once someone is saved they cannot lose that salvation? Jesus own explanation of the parable says:

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. (Luke 8:11-15, ESV, emphasis added)

It certainly seems like Jesus is saying some people believe for a while and then stop believing, implying it is possible to give up/lose one's salvation. How does one resolve this with a "once saved, always saved" theology. I'm sure the answer will be something along the lines of "they weren't real believers to begin with," but I want more in depth exegesis. Why are there four groups in the parable if there are only two-three type of people (real believers, "pretend"/apparent believers, unbelievers)? What do the different groups represent if no group represents people who left the faith (after legitimately having it)? Why should we take the words of Jesus that some believe, but only for a little while, to mean they didn't really believe at all?

A good answer should reference commentary by a published theologian who adheres to a strict perseverance of the saints doctrine.

How do advocates of a strict perseverance of the saints doctrine explain the Parable of the Sower? That is, how does someone explain it who believes that once someone is saved they cannot lose that salvation? Jesus' own explanation of the parable says:

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. (Luke 8:11–15, ESV, emphasis added)

It certainly seems like Jesus is saying some people believe for a while and then stop believing, implying it is possible to give up/lose one's salvation. How does one resolve this with a "once saved, always saved" theology? I'm sure the answer will be something along the lines of "they weren't real believers to begin with," but I want more in depth exegesis. Why are there four groups in the parable if there are only two or three type of people (real believers, "pretend"/apparent believers, unbelievers)? What do the different groups represent if no group represents people who left the faith (after legitimately having it)? Why should we take the words of Jesus that some believe, but only for a little while, to mean they didn't really believe at all?

A good answer should reference commentary by a published theologian who adheres to a strict perseverance of the saints doctrine.

How do advocates of a strict perseverance of the saints doctrine explain the Parable of the Sower? That is, how does someone who believe that once someone is saved they cannot lose that salvation? Jesus own explanation of the parable says:

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; **they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. (Luke 11-15, ESV)

It certainly seems like Jesus is saying some people believe for a while and then stop believing, implying it is possible to give up/lose one's salvation. How does one resolve this with a "once saved, always saved" theology. I'm sure the answer will be something along the lines of "they weren't real believers to begin with," but I want more in depth exegesis. Why are there four groups in the parable if there are only two-three type of people (real believers, "pretend"/apparent believers, unbelievers)? What do the different groups represent if no group represents people who left the faith (after legitimately having it)? Why should we take the words of Jesus that some believe, but only for a little while, to mean they didn't really believe at all?

A good answer should reference commentary by a published theologian who adheres to a strict perseverance of the saints doctrine.

How do advocates of a strict perseverance of the saints doctrine explain the Parable of the Sower? That is, how does someone who believe that once someone is saved they cannot lose that salvation? Jesus own explanation of the parable says:

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. (Luke 8:11-15, ESV, emphasis added)

It certainly seems like Jesus is saying some people believe for a while and then stop believing, implying it is possible to give up/lose one's salvation. How does one resolve this with a "once saved, always saved" theology. I'm sure the answer will be something along the lines of "they weren't real believers to begin with," but I want more in depth exegesis. Why are there four groups in the parable if there are only two-three type of people (real believers, "pretend"/apparent believers, unbelievers)? What do the different groups represent if no group represents people who left the faith (after legitimately having it)? Why should we take the words of Jesus that some believe, but only for a little while, to mean they didn't really believe at all?

A good answer should reference commentary by a published theologian who adheres to a strict perseverance of the saints doctrine.