JOHN 6 GODS FREEDOM TO SAVE

Kevin Lane criticized my handling of Gods word and suggested that my approach to exergesis could lead to error. I am happy to have my errors in interpreting Gods word exposed, but in saying that he was implying that Jesus in John 6 did not present his teaching clearly enough to explain itself and it need’s recourse to other passages to interpret it.

I hold to the reformed understanding of the interpretation of scripture, which is where we allow the clear teaching passages (Jn6) to interpret the less clear. John 6 is clear in my view and I allow Jesus to speak for himself. The onus is on the non-reformed side to explain how THIS passage supports the idea of man’s sovereignty (his ability to come without being drawn) as against the Calvinist view as expressed in John 6 of Gods freedom to choose and draw as well as secure the salvation of believers. This clear passage is a stumbling block to non-calvinists,

⁶¹But Jesus, knowing within Himself that His disciples were complaining and protesting and grumbling about it, said to them: Is this a stumbling block and an offense to you?

I will once again, briefly, set out my understanding of John 6:37-71.
Jesus teaches whilst being surrounded by those who would not believe,

36 But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe.

41 The Jews then complained about Him, because He said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.

52 The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?

⁶⁴But some of you fail to believe and trust and have faith. For Jesus knew from the first who did not believe and had no faith and who would betray Him and be false to Him.

⁶⁵And He said, This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it is granted him by the Father.

Why did Jesus tell them that they couldn’t come to him unless “granted him by the Father”. Because of there unbelief.


Gods plan of salvation is expressed clearly in the following verses,

37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

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.

The Father " gives" is mentioned three times, the Father " drawring" is mentioned once. The one who gives to the Son and the one who draws is the Father ie Gods sovereignty (freedom).The object of the giving and drawring is those who come. Clearly not all are drawn, as Kevin Lane believes, in the context of this passage. The comers ie believers i'n Christ are then assured of eternal life.