GOD’S DRAWING POWER
By: Randy Kea
Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 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.” (John 6:44-45) He also said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32)
First, the obvious question is why does man need to be drawn to God. The Bible answer is simple: Sin. Because of sin, man is away from God. Peter said, “For ye were as sheep going astray.” (I Peter 2:25) The writer James said, “Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin, and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (James 1:14-15)
Secondly, just exactly how does God draw men to himself? In our text, John 6:44-45, Jesus indicates the drawing process involves hearing, learning, and then coming to God. Paul said, “for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation . . .” (Romans 1:16) Again, in James Chapter 1, the writer said, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth.” and “Received with meekness the engrafted (implanted) word which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:18, 21)
Thirdly, what will happen to those who are not drawn by the word of God? Paul gives a vivid and sober description of those who reject the gospel of Christ: “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” (II Thessalonians 1:6-9)
God does not speak directly but through the word of truth, the gospel of Christ: “Whereunto he called you by our gospel” (II Thessalonians 2:14) To respond and obey the gospel is to obey the commands of the gospel. Believe with all your heart, repent of every sin, confess the greatest name of all, be baptized for the remission of your sins, and remain faithful all of your days. (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 10:9-10; Galatians 3:26-27; I Corinthians 15:58) This is God’s way, this is the only way, this is the Bible way.