Within Christendom today, it is commonly believed and taught that man has a free will, and that he can come to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation whenever he chooses to do so. This popular idea is contrary to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, however, so it cannot be true.

I. No man, of his own accord, can come to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation (v. 44, 65).

A. This is because man is spiritually dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1).

B. This is because man cannot receive or properly understand spiritual things (I Cor. 2:14).

C. This is because man cannot see the kingdom of God (Jn. 3:3).

D. This is because man cannot subject himself to God’s Word (Rom. 8:7).

E. This is because man cannot do anything that is pleasing to God (Rom. 8:8).

II. Only the man who is drawn by God the Father to the Lord Jesus Christ can come to Him for salvation (v. 44).

A. To be drawn means “to be dragged or pulled in such a way as to automatically follow.”

B. To be drawn means “to be regenerated and granted repentance and faith.”

C. To be drawn does not mean simply “to be attracted to or invited.” Some people use John 12:32 to teach this idea, but it is a mistaken interpretation.

III. Every man who is so drawn by God the Father to the Lord Jesus Christ is an elect child of God, is taught by God, hears and learns from God, comes to Christ, and will be resurrected in a glorified body at the last day (vv. 37, 44-45).

A. He is an elect child of God (v. 45; Isa. 54:13).

B. He is taught by God (v. 45; Mat. 16:13-17).

C. He hears and learns from God (v. 45).

D. He comes to Christ (vv. 37, 45).

E. He will be resurrected in a glorified body at the last day (v. 39, 44).

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page