Divine Grace: The Key to Salvation and Faith

 

Summary

In our exploration of predestination and free will, we delve into the profound teachings of Jesus regarding human moral ability. While historical theologians like Augustine, Luther, and Calvin have provided significant insights, it is crucial to turn to the words of Christ Himself for ultimate guidance. In John 6:65, Jesus states, "No one can come to Me unless it is given to him by the Father." This declaration is a universal negative, emphasizing that no human has the inherent ability to come to Christ without divine intervention. The term "can" here refers to ability, not permission, underscoring our incapacity to approach Jesus on our own.

Jesus introduces a necessary condition for coming to Him: the Father must grant, give, or enable this approach. This condition, however, is not a guarantee of the outcome, distinguishing it from a sufficient condition. The debate between necessary and sufficient conditions is crucial in understanding the nature of divine grace and human response. Jesus further clarifies in John 6:44 that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws them. The term "draw" has been interpreted in various ways, from a gentle wooing to a compelling force, as seen in other New Testament contexts where it is translated as "drag."

The discussion extends to the concept of regeneration, as seen in John 3, where Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be born again to see the Kingdom of God. This indicates that regeneration precedes faith, aligning with the Augustinian view that divine grace initiates the process of salvation. Paul echoes this in Ephesians 2, where he describes God quickening us from spiritual death, emphasizing that faith is a gift from God, not a product of human effort.

Ultimately, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles highlight the necessity of divine action for salvation. The Holy Spirit's work is the prerequisite for faith, underscoring the doctrine of "sola gratia"—salvation by grace alone. This understanding challenges any notion that human effort or decision can initiate the journey to Christ, affirming that it is solely through God's enabling grace that we are drawn to Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Prerequisite for Coming to Christ: Jesus teaches that no one can come to Him unless the Father grants it, highlighting our inability to approach God without divine intervention. This underscores the necessity of grace as a prerequisite for salvation, challenging any belief in human self-sufficiency. [02:49]

2. Understanding Necessary vs. Sufficient Conditions: The distinction between necessary and sufficient conditions is crucial in theology. While a necessary condition must be met for an event to occur, it does not guarantee the outcome. This understanding helps clarify the role of divine grace in salvation. [07:03]

3. The Nature of Divine Drawing: The term "draw" in John 6:44 is often debated. While some interpret it as a gentle wooing, the scriptural context suggests a more compelling force, akin to being "dragged." This interpretation emphasizes the irresistible nature of God's grace in bringing us to Christ. [13:38]

4. Regeneration Precedes Faith: Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3 reveals that being born again is a prerequisite for seeing the Kingdom of God. This aligns with the Augustinian view that regeneration, a work of the Holy Spirit, precedes and enables faith. [22:22]

5. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Salvation: Paul's teachings in Romans 8 highlight the moral inability of those in the flesh to please God. It is only through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that one can be regenerated and come to faith, affirming the necessity of divine action in salvation. [29:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - Historical Context of Predestination
- [01:08] - Jesus' Teachings on Human Ability
- [01:28] - Analyzing John 6:65
- [02:23] - Universal Negative and Human Inability
- [03:08] - The Meaning of "Can" in Scripture
- [04:27] - Necessary Conditions for Coming to Christ
- [06:02] - The Role of the Father in Salvation
- [07:03] - Necessary vs. Sufficient Conditions
- [08:28] - Exploring John 6:44
- [10:31] - The Father Drawing Us to Christ
- [12:45] - The Meaning of "Draw" in Greek
- [15:15] - Lexicographical Insights on "Draw"
- [17:36] - Debating Predestination
- [21:22] - Regeneration and Seeing the Kingdom
- [24:24] - Paul's Teachings on Regeneration
- [29:00] - The Holy Spirit's Role in Salvation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 6:65 - "And He was saying, 'For this reason I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it is given to him by the Father.'"
2. John 6:44 - "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him."
3. John 3:3 - "Jesus answered and said to him, 'Truly, truly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.'"

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "No one can come to Me unless it is given to him by the Father"? How does this statement reflect on human ability? [01:28]

2. In John 6:44, Jesus mentions that the Father must "draw" someone to Him. How is this term "draw" interpreted in the sermon, and what are the different perspectives on its meaning? [10:31]

3. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between regeneration and faith as discussed in John 3:3? [22:22]

4. How does the sermon explain the difference between necessary and sufficient conditions in the context of coming to Christ? [07:03]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of divine grace as a prerequisite for salvation challenge the idea of human self-sufficiency? What implications does this have for one's understanding of salvation? [02:49]

2. The sermon discusses the term "draw" as potentially meaning "to compel." How does this interpretation affect one's view of God's role in salvation? [15:58]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that regeneration precedes faith, and how does this align with the teachings of Paul in Ephesians 2? [24:24]

4. How does the sermon address the role of the Holy Spirit in overcoming human moral inability, as discussed in Romans 8? [29:00]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt drawn to Christ. How do you perceive the role of divine intervention in that experience? How does this align with the sermon’s teaching on divine drawing? [10:31]

2. The sermon emphasizes that no one can come to Christ without the Father’s enabling. How does this understanding influence your approach to evangelism and sharing your faith with others? [06:02]

3. Consider the idea that regeneration precedes faith. How does this perspective change your understanding of your own faith journey? How might it affect your interactions with those exploring Christianity? [22:22]

4. The sermon discusses the necessity of the Holy Spirit's work in salvation. How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your daily life? What steps can you take to cultivate this openness? [29:00]

5. How does the distinction between necessary and sufficient conditions for coming to Christ challenge or affirm your current beliefs about salvation? How might this influence your spiritual practices? [07:03]

6. Reflect on the sermon’s teaching that human effort cannot initiate the journey to Christ. How does this impact your understanding of grace and your reliance on God in your spiritual life? [02:49]

7. The sermon suggests that divine grace is irresistible. How does this concept resonate with your personal experiences of God’s presence and action in your life? [15:58]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Enablement for Salvation
In John 6:65, Jesus emphasizes that no one can come to Him unless it is granted by the Father. This statement underscores the necessity of divine intervention in the process of salvation. Human beings, in their natural state, lack the inherent ability to approach God on their own. This incapacity highlights the essential role of grace as a prerequisite for salvation, challenging any belief in human self-sufficiency. The divine prerequisite for coming to Christ is not about permission but about the ability granted by God. This understanding calls believers to a posture of humility and dependence on God's grace for their spiritual journey. [02:49]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge your dependence on God's grace in your daily walk with Him today?


Day 2: Theological Distinctions in Salvation
Understanding the difference between necessary and sufficient conditions is crucial in theology. A necessary condition must be met for an event to occur, but it does not guarantee the outcome. In the context of salvation, divine grace is a necessary condition for coming to Christ, but it does not automatically result in salvation without a human response. This distinction helps clarify the role of divine grace and human responsibility in the process of salvation. It invites believers to reflect on the balance between God's sovereignty and human free will in their spiritual lives. [07:03]

2 Peter 1:10 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in confirming your calling and election in your daily life?


Day 3: The Compelling Nature of Divine Drawing
The term "draw" in John 6:44 has been interpreted in various ways, from a gentle wooing to a compelling force. The scriptural context suggests a more compelling nature, akin to being "dragged," emphasizing the irresistible nature of God's grace in bringing us to Christ. This understanding of divine drawing challenges believers to recognize the power and initiative of God in their salvation journey. It also invites them to respond to God's compelling grace with gratitude and obedience, acknowledging that their ability to come to Christ is a result of His sovereign work. [13:38]

Jeremiah 31:3 (ESV): "The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God's compelling grace in your life. How did you respond, and how can you continue to respond today?


Day 4: Regeneration as a Precursor to Faith
In John 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be born again to see the Kingdom of God, indicating that regeneration precedes faith. This aligns with the Augustinian view that divine grace initiates the process of salvation. Regeneration, a work of the Holy Spirit, enables individuals to have faith and respond to God's call. This understanding emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, highlighting the necessity of being born again to experience true spiritual renewal and growth. [22:22]

Titus 3:5 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience the renewing work of the Holy Spirit today?


Day 5: The Holy Spirit's Role in Salvation
Paul's teachings in Romans 8 highlight the moral inability of those in the flesh to please God. It is only through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that one can be regenerated and come to faith. This underscores the necessity of divine action in salvation, affirming the doctrine of "sola gratia"—salvation by grace alone. Believers are called to rely on the Holy Spirit's work in their lives, recognizing that their ability to live a life pleasing to God is dependent on His empowering presence. This understanding encourages a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and transformation. [29:00]

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater reliance on the Holy Spirit in your daily decisions and actions?

Quotes


In this session, I want us to give some attention now to some very crucial statements that Jesus made regarding man's ability, or the lack of it. I'll turn our attention, first of all, to the sixth chapter of John's Gospel, where Jesus says in verse 65, "And He was saying, 'For this reason I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it is given to him by the Father.'" [00:01:14]

What Jesus is saying is, without exception, there is no human being, who (whatever it is He's going to say about them), that is, can come to Him unless it is given to him of the Father. So this is an absolute. It's a negative absolute, and we have to understand that. Now the next word is also crucial to our understanding. It is the word "can." [00:02:34]

No one has the ability to "come to Me," He says. Now let me ask this question: Does man, in and of himself, according to Jesus, have the ability to come to Jesus? No. Do some men have the ability to come to Jesus in and of themselves? No. No man can come to Jesus - "No man can come to Me, unless" Now we see a clause that follows that we call an exceptive clause. [00:04:30]

Now, what is a necessary condition? A prerequisite. Something that has to happen before something else can possibly happen. That's what a prerequisite is. And so Jesus is saying that there is a necessary condition that must be met before anyone can come to Him. Now what does He identify in this verse as the necessary condition for anyone to be able to come to Him? "Unless the Father gives it to him." [00:05:33]

So all that this verse is teaching is that in terms of man's natural ability, none of us has the ability, in and of ourselves, to come to Christ, unless God does something. We're still not sure exactly what it is that God does. And we're still not sure that if God does it, it will guarantee that people will come. All we know is that whatever it is that God does is a necessary condition, a prerequisite, okay? [00:08:08]

"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws Him." Now it's not quite as ambiguous. Here the necessary condition that Jesus spells out is that the Father draws somebody. So, can we say this, categorically, without any fear of being contradicted that our Lord Jesus taught that it is impossible for a human being to come to the Lord Jesus Christ unless that person is drawn by the Father? [00:10:31]

The Augustinian interpretation of the verse is that the word "to draw" means more than simply "to entice or to woo." Now, let's see how this Greek word is used elsewhere in the New Testament. If we would turn our Bibles here to James, to chapter 2 verse 6, we will find this same Greek word used in the New Testament. [00:12:32]

In Kittel's "Theological Dictionary of the New Testament," the word that is being translated "draw" here in this text is defined by Kittel as meaning "to compel by irresistible superiority." I might add that the framers of the Dictionary were anything but Calvinistic. But they recognized that the classical -- that is the meaning in the Greek language of this verb is "to compel." [00:16:04]

But this, I think, even that obscure reference in the Greek language, underlines the fact that this, the force of this verb is the force of divine compulsion. And if that is true, then I would say that verse and that verse alone is sufficient to end the debate forever, with respect to man's ability, or lack of it, to incline himself to choose Jesus Christ. [00:20:35]

"Unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." Now what has to happen, according to Jesus, before a person can see the Kingdom of God? He has to be born again. So regeneration precedes seeing the Kingdom of God. Is that a legitimate interpretation of this passage? In fact, nobody can see it at all unless they are first what? Born again - regenerate. [00:22:03]

Regeneration is seen as a necessary condition for faith, even as Paul elsewhere teaches in Ephesians 2 when he says that while we were dead in sin and trespasses, God has quickened us, that is, made us alive in Christ, okay? When we were dead! And then tells us that therefore it is by grace you are saved, through faith and that is not of yourselves, but is the gift of God. [00:24:20]

And so that the crucial prerequisite for salvation is a work of the Holy Spirit that is the necessary condition, the prerequisite for faith to be present. That's why we insist that the first step of our justification, that which quickens us from spiritual death and makes us, enables us to come to Jesus at all, is the gracious work of God the Holy Spirit, and is never the fruit of the flesh. [00:30:26]

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Transcript
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