What has to happen to a seed before it can produce new growth?
A seed must be put into the ground, where it dies and becomes corrupt. Until that happens, it abideth alone, but once it dies, out of that death comes a new stem and much fruit or grain. This principle runs throughout God's creation as a picture of resurrection.
Les teaches that Jesus used the illustration of a kernel of wheat. Unless it falls into the ground and dies, it abideth alone; but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit or grain. Les explains that gardeners and farmers know nothing happens until the seed is put into the ground—it just stays in its container. Once it is placed in the ground with moisture and sunlight, the first thing it must do is die. It becomes corrupt, and out of that death comes the new stem, which for wheat can produce hundreds of kernels. Les says this concept runs throughout all of God's creation: nature constantly pictures resurrection, and every springtime and planting reminds us of it because Jesus Himself used that analogy.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
More Questions
What happens to a seed if you never plant it?
A seed does nothing as long as it stays in its container — whether a bag, a sack, or whatever — and only begins to change once it is put into the ground.