Drawn by the Father

In John 6:44 Jesus says, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day."

On the surface, this looks like a strong argument for the idea that God predestines certain people to be saved and leaves the rest behind. If God is the only one doing the drawing, then surely only those He selects can come.

But if we keep reading, Jesus Himself explains how this "drawing" works. The very next verse says,

It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught of God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me.

- John 6:45

Here is the key: God draws people through teaching. It's not some mysterious, irresistible power that forces people into faith. It's the message of the gospel that pulls on the heart. In fact, Jesus makes the same point in John 12:32, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." His death on the cross is what attracts people to Him–but each person has to decide if they will respond.

This preserves both sides of the salvation story. God is always the initiator. He sent Christ. He provides the teaching. He draws. But people still have a role: to hear, to learn, and to choose to come.

This fits with the wider picture of the Bible. God "desires all men to be saved" (I Timothy 2:4) and He is "not wishing for any to perish" (II Peter 3:9). His invitation is for everyone. John 6:44 isn't about God selecting a few–it's about how God works through His word to invite all.

In the end, the Father's drawing power is strong, but it's not coercive. The gospel appeals, persuades, convicts, and invites. But we must still listen, learn, and step forward in obedient faith.

Appendix: How John 6:64–65 Fits the Context

⁶⁴But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. ⁶⁵And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”

- John 6:64-65

These verses strengthen the point made in the article:

1. The issue was unbelief, not lack of opportunity. Jesus had taught and shown miracles, but some still refused to believe.
2. To be "granted by the Father" means to come in the way the Father has provided–through faith in Christ as revealed in the gospel. The Father grants the way, but people must still choose to walk it.
3. Judas is the example of rejection. He experienced the same teaching and drawing as the others but chose betrayal. This shows the drawing is real but resistible.
4. Together, verses 44-45 and 64-65 affirm that salvation requires the Father's initiative but does not cancel man's responsibility. God provides the way; man must respond in obedient faith.