Pope Francis supports illegal immigration HERE, but not HERE! What’s wrong with Roman Catholics, can’t they see the gross hypocrisy and Communist push by the Pope for a New World Order agenda that enslaves the world? Maybe they’re just too (a)pathetic to get rid of this guy!

Here’s a scholarly insight to the actual Scripture reference in John 6:44:

“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:44)

To exegete John 6:44 within the Reformed theological tradition, one must carefully analyze the text in its biblical, historical, and theological contexts, emphasizing the doctrines central to Reformed theology, such as divine sovereignty, total depravity, and the effectual call. Below, I will proceed with a structured exegesis, drawing upon principles of Reformed hermeneutics and theology.

Textual Analysis and Context

John 6:44 is part of a larger discourse in the Gospel of John, specifically within the “Bread of Life” discourse (John 6:22–71). In this passage, Jesus addresses a crowd that has followed Him after the miraculous feeding of the 5,000. The discourse emphasizes Jesus as the true bread from heaven, contrasting with the physical bread the crowd seeks. The verse in question is a pivotal statement about the nature of salvation and the role of divine initiative.

The Greek text of John 6:44 reads:

Οὐδεὶς δύναται ἐλθεῖν πρός με ἐὰν μὴ ὁ πατὴρ ὁ πέμψας με ἑλκύσῃ αὐτόν, καὶ ἐγὼ ἀναστήσω αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ.

Key terms to examine:

Οὐδεὶς δύναται (“No one is able”): This phrase underscores human inability, a central tenet of Reformed theology’s doctrine of total depravity. It emphasizes that no one has the inherent capacity to come to Christ without divine intervention.

ἐὰν μὴ (“except”): This conditional clause indicates a necessary prerequisite for coming to Christ—namely, the Father’s drawing.

ὁ πατὴρ ὁ πέμψας με (“the Father who sent me”): This highlights the unity of purpose between the Father and the Son in the work of salvation, a theme consistent with the Reformed emphasis on the unity of the Trinity in the economy of redemption.

ἑλκύσῃ (“draw”): The verb helkō (to draw or drag) implies a strong, effectual action. In the context of Reformed theology, this is interpreted as the irresistible or effectual call of God, which ensures that those drawn will indeed come to Christ.

ἀναστήσω αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ (“I will raise him up at the last day”): This promise of resurrection is a guarantee of eternal life for those who are drawn by the Father, aligning with the Reformed doctrine of the perseverance of the saints.

2. Immediate and Broader Biblical Context

Immediate Context

John 6:44 is preceded by Jesus’ statement in verse 37: “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” This reinforces the idea of divine election and the security of those chosen by the Father. The discourse also includes Jesus’ teaching that “the flesh is of no avail” (John 6:63), emphasizing the spiritual nature of salvation and the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s work.

Broader Biblical Context

The concept of divine drawing is consistent with other New Testament passages that align with Reformed theology:

Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” This passage underscores that even faith itself is a gift from God, aligning with the Reformed understanding of the effectual call.

Romans 8:29–30: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son… And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” This “golden chain” of salvation highlights the unbreakable link between divine election, calling, and glorification.

Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” This reinforces the idea that human willingness to come to Christ is itself a result of God’s sovereign work.

3. Reformed Theological Interpretation

Reformed theology interprets John 6:44 through the lens of the “Five Points of Calvinism” (TULIP), particularly emphasizing Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, and Irresistible Grace. Below is a detailed analysis of how this passage aligns with these doctrines:

a. Total Depravity

The phrase “No one can come to me” reflects the Reformed doctrine of total depravity, which teaches that fallen humanity is spiritually dead and incapable of seeking God or coming to Christ without divine intervention (cf. Ephesians 2:1–3; Romans 3:10–12). Human beings, in their natural state, are enslaved to sin and unable to exercise saving faith unless God acts first.

b. Unconditional Election

The Father’s role in drawing individuals to Christ aligns with the Reformed doctrine of unconditional election. This doctrine asserts that God’s choice to save certain individuals is not based on any foreseen merit or action on their part but is rooted solely in His sovereign will and grace (cf. Ephesians 1:4–5; Romans 9:11–13). The “drawing” in John 6:44 is thus understood as the effectual application of God’s electing grace to those He has chosen.

c. Irresistible Grace (Effectual Calling)

The verb helkō (“to draw”) is central to the Reformed understanding of irresistible grace. While some theological traditions interpret this “drawing” as a general or resistible invitation, Reformed theology argues that it is an effectual and irresistible work of God. Those whom the Father draws will inevitably come to Christ because God’s grace overcomes their natural resistance and grants them the faith and willingness to believe (cf. John 6:37, 65).

This interpretation is supported by the broader context of John 6, particularly verse 65: “And he said, ‘This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.'” The “granting” and “drawing” are synonymous, emphasizing that salvation is entirely a work of divine grace.

d. Perseverance of the Saints

The promise “I will raise him up at the last day” aligns with the Reformed doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Those whom the Father draws and who come to Christ are guaranteed eternal life and resurrection. This reflects the unbreakable nature of God’s salvific work, as those whom the Father truly draws will never be lost (cf. John 10:28–29).

4. Historical and Confessional Support

Reformed theologians and confessions have consistently interpreted John 6:44 in line with the doctrines outlined above. Key historical figures and documents include:

John Calvin: In his commentary on John 6:44, Calvin emphasizes the necessity of the Father’s drawing as a reflection of divine sovereignty and the human inability to come to Christ apart from grace. He writes, “Unless God breathes into us the very desire to seek him, we shall never think of doing so.”

The Westminster Confession of Faith (1647): Chapter 10, “Of Effectual Calling,” states, “All those whom God hath predestinated unto life, and those only, He is pleased, in His appointed and accepted time, effectually to call, by His Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death, in which they are by nature.” This aligns with the Reformed interpretation of John 6:44 as describing the effectual call of the elect.

The Canons of Dort (1618–1619): The Third and Fourth Heads of Doctrine affirm the doctrines of total depravity and irresistible grace, emphasizing that God’s grace is both necessary and sufficient to bring sinners to faith. The Canons cite John 6:44 as a key proof text for these doctrines.

5. Theological Implications

The exegesis of John 6:44 within the Reformed tradition has several important theological implications:

Sovereignty of God in Salvation: Salvation is entirely a work of God, from beginning to end. Human beings contribute nothing to their salvation, not even the initial act of faith, which is itself a gift from God.

Assurance of Salvation: Those who are drawn by the Father can have confidence in their salvation, as God’s work is effectual and His promises are sure. The promise of resurrection “at the last day” underscores the certainty of eternal life for the elect.

Humility and Dependence on God: The doctrine of total depravity and the necessity of divine drawing humble believers, reminding them that their salvation is not due to their own merit or effort but to God’s grace alone.

Evangelistic Implications: While Reformed theology emphasizes divine sovereignty, it does not negate the importance of evangelism. The means by which God draws individuals often include the proclamation of the gospel (cf. Romans 10:14–17). Believers are called to faithfully proclaim the gospel, trusting that God will use it to draw His elect.

6. Addressing Potential Objections

Some theological traditions, such as Arminianism, interpret John 6:44 differently, arguing that the “drawing” of the Father is a general or resistible invitation extended to all people. They may cite passages like John 12:32 (“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself”) to suggest a universal drawing.

In response, Reformed theologians argue that:

The context of John 6:44, particularly verses 37 and 65, makes it clear that the drawing is effectual and specific to those whom the Father has chosen.

John 12:32 must be understood in light of its context, which likely refers to the drawing of people from all nations (Jews and Gentiles) rather than every individual without exception.

The consistent testimony of Scripture (e.g., Romans 8:29–30; Ephesians 1:4–5) supports the Reformed understanding of divine election and effectual calling.

7. Conclusion

In the Reformed theological tradition, John 6:44 is a profound declaration of God’s sovereignty in salvation. It teaches that no one can come to Christ unless the Father draws them, emphasizing the doctrines of total depravity, unconditional election, and irresistible grace. The promise of resurrection “at the last day” assures believers of the certainty of their salvation, rooted in the unbreakable work of God. This passage invites believers to marvel at the grace of God, who sovereignly draws sinners to Himself, granting them faith and eternal life through Christ.

God Bless,

Jack Kettler

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