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The Heavenly Trade Brings Sure Returns

{Proof That the Heavenly Trade is the Best Trade

The Heavenly Trade Is the Most Profitable Trade

The Heavenly Trade Brings Sure Returns}


Second, guaranteed returns make traders rich. Merchants that pursue gainful trades consider that, if one out of two or three ventures come safely home, they have done well.233 But, all ventures in this heavenly trade that are done in obedience to God’s Word are secure. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB). Not one sincere attempt in the way of God will miscarry.234 No pious duty will be lost and all sowing to the Holy Spirit will surely spring up to a blessed harvest (Galatians 6:8).235Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:5–6 NASB).236 Though they go forth weeping, if they bear precious seed, they will doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing their sheaves [of grain] with them.


233This reference is to sending out animal-drawn caravans or sailing ships that will not return for weeks or months. Such ventures were hazardous and frequently lost.

234Our toil in the Lord always has eternal gain, but visible success in this fallen world is not at all assured.

235For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:8 ESV).

236The weeping is due to being unable to eat the grain being sown or sell it.

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