038 DRRIC Biblical Articles: God's Electing Grace
038 DRRIC Biblical Articles: God's Electing Grace Thought: “That someone comes to Christ is the result of God’s free, personal, and unimaginable grace.” July 10, 2025
John 6:44–45
44. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
45. It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.
To the one who hears or reads,
In John 6 we read that large crowds sought after Jesus. They had seen His miracles. He had fed thousands with five loaves and two fish. The next day, they crossed the sea to find Him again. But why were they seeking Him?
When they found Him in Capernaum, Jesus said: “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled” (John 6:26). They did not seek Him because of who He is, but because of what He gave. Jesus used that moment to reveal a deeper truth: no one can truly come to Him unless the Father draws him. That means: even faith is not a human effort, but a gift of God. In this article, we reflect on John 6:44–45. What does Jesus mean when He says that the Father must draw? How does that work in our lives? And how does it offer hope to those who truly seek Him?
Is it not a wonder, dear reader, that all things proceed from the Father and lead back to the Father, as He has decreed from eternity in His counsel? At the same time, I understand that some may shrink back at these words and think: this is hard. But we do not want to be led by feeling or reaction. We want to look honestly at what is written and in what context Jesus speaks these words.
It is right that we pause at such words. Jesus does not say that some can come to Him when they are ready, when they understand enough, or when their desire is strong enough. He says that no one can come unless the Father draws him. That is not meant to frighten us, but to show where true faith originates. Not in us, but in God. That is why this is a message full of hope. If the Father works, then that person will come. Not maybe, not hopefully, but certainly. It is a powerful drawing, like a net full of fish being hauled to shore. The wonder is not that someone comes, but that the Father works. That brings rest, awe, and deep reverence. For whoever comes is not wiser, not better, but moved by God.
Election is not a hard or cold theme, but an expression of God’s grace. He does not choose people because they are special, but because He wills it. It is a decision of the Father from before the foundation of the world, established in His counsel. No one comes to Christ unless the Father gives him. That is not unjust, but rather just, because no one deserves it. If He still draws people to Himself, that is grace. True election does not make proud, but humble. For whoever realizes that he may come only because God gave him, will not boast in himself, but give thanks to God.
Scripture is clear on this. For in Romans 3 it says that none is righteous, none understands, none seeks after God. All have turned aside. Their mouths are full of cursing, their feet swift to shed blood, and there is no fear of God before their eyes (Romans 3:9–18). That is the judgment of God’s Word upon all of us. But if Scripture says that no one seeks God, not even one, and you find within yourself a desire to seek Him, that is not from you. Then the Spirit of God is at work in you. Then the moment has come to respond. Not tomorrow, not when you feel ready, but now. For election is fixed from before the foundation of the world. If you are seeking Him, it is because He first saw you.
Why do you speak so devoutly: “I can do nothing,” while He places the desire in your heart? Is that humility, or is it a waiting pride that refuses to bow when God Himself is drawing you? Do not resist His work, especially because He is working. Do not remain silent when He speaks to you!
For even weak faith is real and genuine if it is worked by God. Even the sighing after Christ is already a working of the Spirit. So someone who desires, who feels timid and unworthy, someone who even fears being rejected, and yet feels an inward struggle—this is no excuse to delay. On the contrary, whoever truly fears is called to flee to Christ. Such a struggle is not a sign of exclusion, but of being grafted into the true church.
If you hear Him, turn to Him. Not in words only, but with your heart. Confess your sin, stop trusting in yourself, and cast yourself upon the grace of Christ. Whoever comes to Him, He will by no means cast out.
For God’s electing grace lies in Christ, for whoever comes to Him has everlasting life. It is the result of God’s free, personal, and unimaginable grace. Do not wait any longer, you who hear or read, but come. Soli Deo Gloria. To God alone—the almighty, electing God—be the glory. Amen.