John 6:65
And he said, Therefore said I vnto you, that no man can come vnto me, except it were giuen vnto him of my Father. John 6:65 (KJV)
And he said,
Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. John 6:65 (KJV)
Context: To understand the significance of John 6:65, it’s essential to consider the context in which it was spoken. This verse is part of a longer discourse known as the “Bread of Life” discourse, which spans from John 6:22-71. In this discourse, Jesus teaches the people about the importance of having faith in Him as the true bread from heaven.
The Challenge of Belief: Throughout the Bread of Life discourse, Jesus emphasizes the need for genuine belief and faith in Him. He reveals that He is the living bread that came down from heaven, and those who eat of this bread will have eternal life (John 6:51). However, many of the people were unable to accept this teaching and struggled with understanding Jesus’ true identity (John 6:41-42, 60-61).
God’s Role in Salvation: In John 6:65, Jesus explains that the ability to come to Him is granted by the Father. This statement highlights the sovereignty of God in the process of salvation. It suggests that no one can genuinely believe in Jesus or come to Him unless the Father enables them to do so. It emphasizes the divine initiative and grace required for a person to believe and follow Jesus.
Predestination and Election: Some theological interpretations view this verse as evidence of the doctrines of predestination and election. These doctrines suggest that God chooses and calls individuals to salvation based on His sovereign will, rather than on human merit or decision. According to this perspective, God grants the ability to believe to those whom He has chosen and called.
The Role of Human Responsibility: While the verse highlights God’s role in salvation, it doesn’t negate human responsibility. Throughout the New Testament, including the book of John, there are numerous calls to repent, believe in Jesus, and follow Him. While salvation ultimately comes from God, individuals are still responsible for responding to God’s call, exercising faith, and accepting the gift of salvation.
Spiritual Discernment: John 6:65 also emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment. Jesus indicates that the ability to come to Him is not merely a matter of human effort or intellect but is granted by the Father. It suggests that understanding and accepting Jesus’ teachings require spiritual insight, which is given by God through the Holy Spirit.
In summary, John 6:65 conveys the message that no one can come to Jesus unless it is given to them by the Father. It underscores the importance of faith, the sovereignty of God in salvation, and the need for spiritual discernment. While it affirms God’s role in drawing people to Himself, it doesn’t diminish the responsibility of individuals to respond to His call with faith and obedience.
