Q3. Drawn by the Father

[Godswriter]

Q3. (John 6:37, 44, 65) What is the significance of Jesus’ teaching that only the ones the Father “draws” to him can come to him? In what way does this sound like predestination? How does the Holy Spirit prepare people to put their faith in Christ?

The significance of His teaching in this passage is that the Lord chooses certain ones to be saved however it is our choice to be saved and accept that salvation from Christ. We have been given free will at this point to either reject or accept Christ. The Lord only saves those who are willing to be saved not those who are not willing to be saved. We are utterly hopeless and helpless in ourselves. We don't even have any strength to come to the Lord on our own. The Father does the work first in the heart and life of the believer to bring them to Christ. The power to come to Jesus can only be given through the Father Himself. 

It sounds like predestination because we are chosen from the beginning to be saved and how we are to be saved. The Holy Spirit works through the conviction of sin and need of Savior.

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

Predestination is truly a deep and wonderfull doctrine !  The eternal will and purpose of God.  Christ Jesus the Word made flesh had a duty to perform and he will fulfill it. The Father will give to the Son those who believe and preserve them to the end.  Christ's mission is not of his own willing or planning but entirely obedience to the will of His Father.  The Father's will is that who see the Son and believe should have eternal life.  Christ will ensure eternal life in this life, but in the life to come.  We have divine action behind unbelief.   ALL who believe do so because they have been taught by God the Father and Jesus received them, gives them life, and preserves them in holiness all day long.  God does call people from out their unbelief to belief and eternal life.

We are taught by God when we are growing up in a solid Christain home.  A home is a little church.   This is strengthened as a young person is further discipled as he goes to Sunday school and studies his Bible.  What an awesome calling!  To be predestined to be part of the Body of Christ.  Ephesians 1 is so detailed about this doctrine.

[Irmela]

Q3. (John 6:37, 44, 65)

What is the significance of Jesus' teaching that only the ones the Father "draws" to him can come to him?

In what way does this sound like predestination?

How does the Holy Spirit prepare people to put their faith in Christ?

God is a just god, full of grace, love, forgiveness, patience, understanding, etc. Many attributes which combine to draw us to Christ.  Some are drawn quickly, others are more hard-headed and take time for their hearts to be softened before finally yielding to His call. All these are the ones the Father gives to the Son. They are drawn first by the Father Who sent Him. Then comes the hard part, no one comes unless the Father enables him. But it is by grace and grace alone. We cannot make the choice alone. There are those who do not choose.

JanMary puts it that we "choose to be chosen".

Jen again puts it that God knows ahead who will respond to His wooing, but the invitation is for all.

GraceZfree refers to 1 Peter 1:2, which refers to those who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father

needmyzzz refers to the passage in John 12:32 ,where Jesus say when He is lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Himself. This was where He showed in what manner He would die. 

In spite of what we understand or what anyone says, ultimately it is by grace.

 

[Enow]

On 12/21/2014 at 12:12 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q3. (John 6:37, 44, 65) What is the significance of Jesus’ teaching that only the ones the Father “draws” to him can come to him? In what way does this sound like predestination? How does the Holy Spirit prepare people to put their faith in Christ?

Jesus teaching this highlights truth the the Fathers sovereignty in all realms. The Father has offered Christ his son as a free gift to all for eternal life and in doing so he knows who will accept and those who will reject.  This is predestination because the Father in all his power knows beginning and end. We do have free will that's why the gift is presented to all of us to choose. Due to our nature some will accept and have eternal life while others will reject and be condemned. Those who accept are the ones the father draws in which the Holy Spirit will work daily in the believer. This is a long process because we are battling against our flesh. As a believer who accepts Christ, the Holy Spirit will mold us the be like our elder brother and father.