"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." --Jesus Christ (John 6:44)
The Lord Jesus Christ here states that anyone who follows him or truly believes in him does not do it of his own ability. He shows the futility of self-righteousness and the power of God in the mind and heart of the genuine believer.
In chapter 6 of John, Jesus teaches he will resurrect his believers on the last day of this age and give them eternal life. Those who believe in him know him to be the Bread of Life and the answer to all of their needs. He himself is central to a true relationship with God. He is life itself. And, he has promised that none of his true followers will ever be lost.
Who may have this life? Only those who come to Jesus. Who may come to Jesus? Only those whom God the Father draws. There exists an internal call from God that only true believers sense or hear or know -- one that gives them understanding by the Scriptures that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Lord. This inner call is so compelling, so enlightening, that they come to realize their utter need to be saved from judgment and wrath, and that Jesus himself is the only solution. They see that he is the only begotten Son of God, who truly died for their sins and rose again. Upon this great realization, they confess, "My Lord and My God". The dawn breaks in on the darkness of their soul and they leap for joy and relief that the Savior came to pardon them. They are re-born with a spiritual birth. God is wonderful, that he works such a powerful influence on wretched sinners such as us so that we may come to Christ.
This call is initiated by God and performed by God. It is therefore impossible to perform this special calling on one's self or on others. One cannot drum up sincere repentance and faith on his own. We certainly do call every person to believe in Christ and repent of sin, but this is the external call. We preach the gospel and tell the story of Jesus. We scatter spiritual seed where we can. But only God makes it come to life in a person's heart. That life is God's call and God's drawing power, which always leads one to Jesus.
Jesus quotes the prophets to explain: "And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." Therefore, Jesus is the final destination of the believer's call from God. The true believer will come to Jesus by faith. He will firmly cling to Jesus Christ, knowing implicitly that no other option exists. No other "Son of God" or Savior will ever appear. Jesus is the only hope, and the only door to God. He is the only Bread of Life. Whoever believes in God but does not come to Jesus Christ has not known the true God. That person is still in the darkness and under condemnation.
Also, we who believe in Christ have the secure hope of being physically resurrected from the dead at the end of the world. Jesus himself will personally raise up our bodies. We will enjoy perfection, glory and eternal life with him. Why should we be so blessed to freely receive such goodness? Only because of the love and mercy of our God. It is God's will that all those that he has chosen will be given to Jesus. And so we will be with him forever.
Believer, take heart! God the Father is for you. He has chosen you before the foundation of the world to belong to Jesus Christ. He drew you out of your life of sin and rebellion. He watches over you still. You are in Christ and shall never be lost. Jesus is for you and loves you. He will surely keep his word. Eat this Bread of Life everyday by believing the good promises of our God.
Unbeliever, if you have read this far, you are urged to turn from your sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. As stated above, you cannot do that on your own, but it is our prayer that the Father has been pleased to use this writing as part of his means of bringing you to Christ. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved!
