Who gets drawn to Jesus John 6:44

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John 6:44

This seems to be saying that only those people who God ‘draws’ to Jesus will be saved ‘raised up at the last day’

I’ve heard this idea a few times, that God calls or speaks to those who will ultimately be saved. How does he decide who to call? Why are only some people called? What will happen to those that He doesn’t call? I understand the difference between those who turn away from God, even though he has spoken to them, but this passage seems to be saying not everyone will have that chance to be saved.

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Hi @theresa4!

In reading this you have stumbled upon one of the major questions Christians disagree about.
Without diving into the full scope of the debate, here is a simple version:

What does John 6:44 mean?

Jesus is saying that people don’t come to God by themselves.
God has to start the process by “drawing” them.

Christians disagree on how God draws people.

The main views (simplified)

1. Calvinist/Reformed: God draws only some people, and those are the ones who will be saved.

  • God chooses who to save, not based on their merit but on his will alone.
  • Those He chooses will definitely come to Jesus.
  • Others are not chosen and stay where they are, in sin and death.

2. Arminian/Wesleyan: God draws everyone, but not everyone responds

  • God “draws” all people through grace that comes before faith and everyone can respond.
  • People can resist.
  • Those who reject grace stay where they are, in sin and death.

3. The Orthodox View: God draws everyone, but drawing works cooperatively

  • God draws everyone, but salvation involves human cooperation.
  • Humans have freedom to either cooperate with or reject divine grace.

4. The Catholic View: God’s draw is universal, but grace is received differently

  • God offers grace to all; actual salvation involves a lifelong cooperation with grace.
  • Some receive grace more fully
  • Some resist
  • Some never fully respond
  • Individuals are judged according to how they respond to the amount of light they are given

In any case…

Most Christians believe that everyone is drawn in some way.
John 6:44 simply means God must take the first step, not that He refuses to give people a chance.

To read a long discussion of the question of God calling some or all, see this thread: How does Irresistible Grace allow for free will?

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Hi @theresa4 :waving_hand:

As @Michaela has mentioned, it is truly one of the many questions debated among the Christian sphere. Please continue searching God’s Word diligently and prayerfully, and He will surely share His mind through the Holy Spirit’s guidance and conviction. But allow me to share some thought.

Regarding God drawing persons to Him,

The Bible is clear: (1) God wants ALL to be saved (1Tim.2:3,4 KJV) and, (2) He does NOT desire ANYONE to perish but would have people repent of their sins (2Pet.3:9 KJV). If this is true, then EVERY human who had the opportunity to consciously decide for him/herself may be said to have been given the chance to come—be drawn—to God. Yet only those who will make that decision to approach Him will experience that grace. And Jesus promises NEVER to reject anyone who comes to Him (Jn.6:37 KJV).

This is where faith comes into play. Will Man take God at His Word and approach His throne of grace? Or, will they just stand from afar fearing His justice might consume them?

(This reminds me of Queen Esther who experienced the gracious approval of King Ahasuerus [or Xerxes I] despite the king’s decree against unauthorized, or un-called for, approaches to his throne room [Book of Esther]. But I digress.)

Regarding the chance to be saved,

God’s revelation is NOT limited to the Bible. People will NOT be excusable of NOT hearing the gospel (Rom.1:20 KJV) because the whole creation testifies of His existence, and His testimony transcends the language barrier (Psa.19:1-4b KJV) more powerfully than any polyglot missionary ever could.

A humble heart will cause Man to seek God, a Higher Power though he might NOT know Him by name as Yahweh or Jesus. They will recognize that there is an ultimate Creator to whom they are accountable. A proud heart, however, will fashion its own “cuddly god” who will fit personal desires and whims, and become an idolater, or make a god of him/herself.

Answering the question, “Who gets drawn to Jesus?”

All who are born into this world is drawn by God to His Son. If they would respond in faith, then they will be resurrected at His Return.