"...if anyone makes the assistance of grace depend on the humility or obedience of man and does not agree that it is a gift of grace itself that we are obedient and humble, he contradicts the Apostle who says, "What have you that you did not receive?" (1 Cor. 4:7), and, "But by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor. 15:10). (Council of Orange: Canon 6)
We are a community of confessing believers who love the gospel of Jesus Christ, affirm the Biblical and Christ-exalting truths of the Reformation such as the five solas, the doctrines of grace, monergistic regeneration, and the redemptive historical approach to interpreting the Scriptures.
« When I read my Bible through | Main | Election, Evangelism and the Golden Chain of Redemption »
A 27 minute video teaching on John Chapter 6:35ff:
Session One-for Web from Runway Productions on Vimeo.
Comments
What does it mean for one to "be drawn by the Father?"
Posted by: Bob | January 28, 2013 12:42 PM
Hi Bob
When we look at the context of John chapter 6 we discover there are numerous parallel passages that allow us to get a clear glimpse into what is meant here.
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him" is in verse 44
However, just before that in verse 37 Jesus says "All that the Father gives to me will come to me"
Notice in both passages he uses the phrase "come to me"
So if we read verse 44 in the immediate content of verse 37 we could only conclude that All person who the Father draws will come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Verses 63 & 65 confirm this as well. It says "The Spirit gives life (quickens) and the Flesh counts for nothing... that is why I told you that no one can come to me unless God grants it."
So if you take all these verses together it becomes clear... that noone can come to faith in Jesus unless God the Holy Spirit quickens them and all to whom he quickens will come. This means that all persons who the Father draws will believe in him and never be cast out.
This is the biblical doctrine of salvation by grace alone. Jesus provided everything we need for salvation, including a new heart to believe. He makes certain that those who he sets affections on will be saved.
Hope this helps
John Hendryx
Posted by: John H. | January 28, 2013 02:01 PM
Dear John,
Thanks.
But the problem I have is not so much with John:6, but rather John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
The problem is, how does one get to Jesus unless the Father "draws" him, but Jesus says no one gets to the Father except through Him?
What is the order? Who is 1st, 2nd, 3rd?
Do you know what I mean?
Posted by: Bob | January 30, 2013 01:31 PM