The Work of God to draw ALL men!

The Word of God is clear that He draws all men, not just some. If Faith were the gift (that the reformed or Calvinists say is spoken of in Eph 2:8-9), then why does Jesus commend some people in the Word for having great faith? And why would He chastise others for having little faith? Wouldn’t that be God chastising Himself for the amount or quality of faith or conversely the lack of faith He had given someone?

If faith was truly the gift, (vs. eternal life) then wouldn’t God’s gift of faith be perfect as James 1:17 tells us that every gift from heaven is.

Calvinists teach God does not draw everyone 

Many people (mostly reformed) deny God has drawn all men/women. The majority of Calvinist teachers deny our ability to take a drink of the Living Water unless we first are born again by the Holy Spirit (the Living Water), THEN whoever was pre-chosen for heaven, now are supposedly ABLE to take that drink of Living Water.  

Confusing? The doctrine certainly is with some, but God is not the author of confusion.  

I don’t see in His Word that God draws only some men based on pre-selection of a few to heaven and choosing the rest to hell. The Word shows us the many ways our loving God has drawn everyone to Himself.

How does God draw all people to Him?

God uses many things to draw us to Him. Since He desires none should perish, we can believe He means it. Circumstances of life that God has permitted can draw both believers and non-believers alike. Some may say personally that it was the death of a loved one, an illness, or sorrow in life that caused them to search for something different. For my late husband, he had many things that were touching him physically in his terminal illness. It drew both of us closer to the Lord, we praise God for that. He is near to the brokenhearted.

Others have difficulties in work, or in marriages. Someone may lose their husband, wife, child, parent. Circumstances of living in this fallen world may draw people to Him. This is a good time for us to be there for them, praying for them, trying to meet tangible needs if we are able. We are supposed to be laborers in the harvest, and that doesn’t just include handing them a tract, (nothing wrong with that at all), but hopefully being there for some as we are able. If you can’t be there, commit to pray for them and stay in contact with them. Use the Word as much as you can, and pray — it matters.

HE HAS DRAWN ALL MEN TO HIM

First of all, Calvinists frequently use one Scripture here and there, out of context, to make their point. These are called ‘proof texts’. They often are used as stand alone verses without a consideration of the entirety of the context, or the multitude of other passages which may say differently. We know the Word does not contradict itself. One of the biggest ones they use is John 6:44.  In context the Jewish leaders were questioning what He said, and were not believing. He told them in John 5 that they would not come to Him that they might have life. Why would He say that if they could not come?

But let’s look at immediate context:

⁴⁴ 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. 

⁴⁵ It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 

Throughout Scripture we see tha God has made Himself manifest to all (Romans 1), and in the heavens and creation (Psalm 19). These things are ‘clearly seen’. So ALL are taught of God. Only some are willing to hear/learn. No one can come to the Father (through the Son), unless they are willing to hear. He had told them in Matthew 13 that He spoke to them in parables because they were ‘hard of hearing‘ and hearing they did not hear (quoting Isaiah). This does not mean they could not, if we go to Isaiah 6 and read. Their hearts were hardened, and they ‘would not‘ (as it says in Matt 23:37-39). Think of those who rushed Stephen to stone him to death. They ‘stopped their ears’ because they did not want to hear. As Stephen said, they always resisted the Holy Spirit.

We can be drawn by the cross and yet reject it. We can refuse to hear, refuse to learn. Here we see the precept found in Romans 10:14-17 or 2 Timothy 3:14-15. It asks, “How shall they believe if they have not heard?” And in verse 17, it explains how one acquires faith — faith comes by hearing His Word. The Pharisees searched His Scriptures but they did not have His Word in them, nor did they ‘hear’ His voice. Instead the Word says they did not believe and were not willing to come to Him that they might have life (John 5:37-40). Romans 1 says God has manifested Himself to ALL men, but not all will glorify Him as God, nor will they be thankful, because they suppress the truth in unrighteousness.

God isn’t suppressing the truth (Rom 1:18), they are.

So what are some of the ways are all people drawn?

ALL ARE DRAWN BY THE CROSS, SO PREACH CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED.

Christ said He would draw all when He was lifted up on the cross. (Jn 12:32; Jn 3:14-16; John 8:28). It is the foolish message that it pleases God to save men by (1 Cor 1:17-18). This is why we should be determined to preach Christ and HIM crucified — not with wisdom of men’s words (1 Cor 2:1-5). The cross includes the truth that Jesus and His sacrifice alone paid for all sin, once for all (Col 2:13-15; Heb 10:10,14).

John 16:7-11 says the Holy Spirit will convict the entire world of sin, righteousness and judgment. The sin mentioned is unbelief. We have a will to resist God, and to stay unbelieving. If God blinds us so we are unable to believe, (therefore in unbelief), then wouldn’t He be complicit in our sin? He is not. 2 Corinthians 4 it is clear that the god of this age is the one doing the blinding.

It is true that no one would come unless God drew us first, but God draws everyone. So let’s examine some of the many ways God draws ALL MEN. And let’s consider how some will react to that calling. Some will hear, yet some will stop their ears (Acts 7:51-57). Some will come, some will always resist the Spirit.

THE CONVICTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT DRAWS THE WORLD   

Again, the Holy Spirit convicts the unbeliever (the whole world) of the sin of unbelief, and of righteousness, and of judgment to come. (Jn 16:7-11)

Men can resist the Holy Spirit. Does this conviction make sense if most cannot believe because somehow God has kept them from being able to believe? Again, does that not make their god a sinner?  Isn’t that the god spoken of in 2 Cor 4:4 who keeps people blinded? I once asked a Calvinist if God blinded people from the glorious gospel. He affirmed that he believed his god did. Even after I shared the verse with him…

…in whom the god of this world (or age) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

THE LAW POINTS PEOPLE TO CHRIST  

It is the tutor to bring us to Christ (Gal 3:24, giving us knowledge of sin. It helps us understand His grace, knowing by His death on the cross, accepted by the Father in full, that we were delivered from the penalty of the law. Set free, married to another, the righteous requirement fulfilled by Christ alone. (Rom 6:23, Rom 7-8, Gal 2:19-21, Gal 3:2,5, 13).  The law is written on every single unbelieving person’s heart (Rom 2:14-16). Therefore even the law (right & wrong) points ALL to Him.

THE WORD OF GOD DRAWS MEN

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word (Rom 10:17). The Word is able to make people wise unto salvation (2 Tim 3:15). The Entrance of His Word gives light (Ps 119:130). It’s powerful and penetrates even to the discerning of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb 4:12). It doesn’t return void (Is 55:10-11). We’re told to preach the Word in and out of season (2 Tim 4:2). It matters, He desires NONE should perish (2 Pet 3:9, 1 Tim 2:1-6; Matt 18:14).

PREACHERS OF THE WORD DRAW PEOPLE TO CHRIST

This assumes they are preaching the only true gospel instead of another. He sends people to preach the gospel to the WORLD. Rom 10:14-15. The one that was foretold in the Scriptures. (Is 53; 1 Cor 15:1-11). The beautiful feet of men who bring the good news to others (Rom 10;15; Is 52:7). The Bible asks, “How can men believe if they have not heard?” If God pre-chose people to eternal life with Him in heaven, they wouldn’t need to hear or any other such thing. It would be a done deal no matter what happens.

THE GOSPEL DRAWS US

The gospel is the POWER of God unto salvation for EVERYONE who believes (Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 1:17-18).  The righteousness of God is revealed in the preaching of the gospel (Rom 1:17).

Being regenerated is never listed as the power of God unto salvation. Regeneration by the Spirit is something that happens AFTER/WHEN we believe.

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.  Eph 1:13

CREATION: THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH DRAW MEN

The heavens and earth declare His glory, there is no language where it is not understood, day after day and night after night. Ps 19:1-5, Ps 147:4, Rom 1:20

GOD SHOWED THE TRUTH TO ALL MEN

He made Himself manifest to them. They knew God, but they suppressed the truth in unrighteousness, they have no excuse (Rom 1:18-21). God did NOT suppress the truth so they could not believe, They are the ones who willingly stopped up their ears. The Calvinist god suppresses the truth so men cannot believe. Remember, again we see in Acts 7 Stephen chastising the rulers of Israel for resisting the Holy Spirit.

They stopped up their ears to keep from hearing the truth.

EVEN THE INVISIBLE THINGS OF EARTH ARE CLEARLY SEEN AND UNDERSTOOD 

(Rom 1:18-21). These magnificent things in creation testify of Him and even as camera lenses get more zoom on them, we see things we know could not just ‘evolve’.  

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  Psalm 139:14

PROPHECY 

Prophecy testifies of Jesus Christ, therefore drawing all. Unbelievers know and have heard of Mayan prophecies and Nostradamus, but they will not listen to the testimony of God regarding His Son, (John 5:37-40). Nor will they really investigate the many fulfilled prophecies in the first coming of Jesus Christ.

…the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Rev 19:10c

MEN ARE DRAWN BY HIS LIGHT

Jesus is the true Light that gives light to EVERY MAN that comes into the world (John 1:9). And believers are Children of Light. Many people would rather have darkness though sadly Jesus said. But He told us to let our light so shine before men so people might see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven (Matt 5:16).

HE GAVE ALL MEN A CONSCIENCE

Rom 2:14-16. This conscience either accuses or excuses them regarding right and wrong. They can suppress the truth, they can ignore their conscience, and their hearts can harden if they resist Him continually.

BY THE BODY OF CHRIST PLANTING AND WATERING

We are told to pray for Laborers in the Harvest. Why, if it is automatic that He will only draw His elect? And by the way, elect unto what? Israel was the elect. Christ was called elect. There are even elect angels. So understand that believers in this age are elected or chosen to be ‘in Christ’. We are placed in His body unlike the previous believers. Jesus didn’t tell people to pray for laborers for no  reason, but because it matters (Matt 9:36-38).

And for our labor, we will receive a reward (1 Cor 3:6-9).

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.  Mark 1:17

BY PRAYER FOR ALL THEY ARE DRAWN TO HIM

Because God desires all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.  1 Tim 2:1-6.  This would not be possible if spiritually dead men could not hear or understand the truth through the Word. If we are supposedly chosen for salvation, that would be deceptive to ask us to pray for all.

BY BEING A RANSOM FOR ALL 

His Word testifies, He has died for all men (1 Tim 2:1-6) and is the propitiation for the whole world (1 John 2:2), and that propitiation becomes effective when men have faith on Christ (Rom 3:25-26) and His work (His blood shed for their sins on the cross, His burial and prophesied resurrection in 3 days).

BY PRAYER FOR LABORERS FOR THE HARVEST

Matthew 9:36-38, Luke 10:1-2.  Why would there be a necessity to pray for other laborers in the harvest if there was already a set amount of people supposedly chosen for salvation, that is busy work then, that is unnecessary, as the Calvinist god does not use men to effect the salvation of others by preaching, speaking God’s Word, example, love for enemies, etc. In fact the Calvinist god hates the men he has chosen for hell ahead of time.

WE ARE DRAWN BY GOD’S SHEER GOODNESS TO BE NEAR TO US ALL

He sets us in the best time and place so that we might seek Him. How compassionate is our God? 

And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’  Acts 17:26-28

FEAR OF DEATH — THE INEVITABLE

We all know we are going to die. Those who don’t know the gospel, fear where they are going to go (whether they admit it or not), or just fear the end of life as they know it.

Jesus died in your place, He tasted death for every man, so you wouldn’t have to be afraid any more.  Heb 2:9

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:14-15

GOD DRAWS BY BELIEVERS BEING READY WITH AN ANSWER OF THE HOPE IN US

But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.   1 Pet 3:14-15 (see also Col 4:5-6, Pr 22:17-21)

BY KIND TREATMENT OF OUR ENEMIES

Ex 23:5; Matt 5:44-45; Luke 6:27, 35-36; Rom 12:19-21. Why would God have us love all men as ourselves if they were men He already chose to hell, therefore His eternal enemy?

BY LOVING AND PRAYING EVEN FOR OUR ENEMIES 

Luke 6:28; Matt 5:44 tells us a way to treat our enemies that doesn’t come naturally to our fleshly nature, but is important for people to come to Christ (see also Acts 7:59-60; 1 Tim 2:1-6). 

BY FORGIVING OUR ENEMIES OF EVEN THE MOST HEINOUS THINGS, WE WILL DRAW THEM TO GOD

Saul/Paul stood by approving of Stephen’s death, and this is one of the things he heard before he came to believe himself.

And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.   Acts 7:60

Saul would have been present for the trials of Jesus and of course known who He was. He just didn’t believe He was who He said He was, but was to meet Him later on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9).

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I AM he, ye shall die in your sins.

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM.John 8:24, 58

GOD DRAWS OUR ENEMIES EVEN WHEN WE BLESS THEM

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.  Rom 12:14, 1 Cor 4:12-13, 1 Pet 3:9

BY OUR GOOD WORKS TO OTHERS

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Gal 6:9; Titus 3:8, 2 Thess 3:13

BY OUR SPEECH AND WISDOM WITH NON BELIEVERS

Col 4:5-6, Titus 2:7-8

HAVING A GOOD CONSCIENCE SO THEY MIGHT BE ASHAMED

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.  1 Pet 3:16

BELIEVERS HAVING COMPASSION ON OTHERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

(Jesus did) – Jude 22-23

HAVING GOOD DOCTRINE

Yes, it matters: Titus 2:1, 7-8; Rom 6:17-18; 16:17; 1 Tim 4:1-6

BELIEVERS SUBMITTING TO OTHERS

Thing of others first, those we work for, doing good to our neighbors –  Titus 2:9-11; 1 Tim 6:1-2; Eph 6:5-6, Rom 13:7-10

BELIEVERS BEING A GOOD EXAMPLE OF WHAT A BELIEVER SHOULD BE  

1 Tim 4:12; Titus 2:7-8; 1 Pet 5:2-3

BELIEVER’S SINCERITY AND GOOD CONDUCT  

Titus 2:7-8; 2 Cor 1:12; Phil 1:27

BY OUR DAILY PREPARATION IN THE GOSPEL

part of the armor and something we should remember to refresh in every day.  Eph 6:15; Isaiah 52:7; Rom 10:14-17

BELIEVERS LOVING AND SUBMITTING TO ONE ANOTHER

Our example matters.  1 Pet 5:5-7; Eph 5:20-21; John 13:34-35; Rom 8:9-13

GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS

Rom 2:11.   He says there is NO DIFFERENCE.  His free gift is offered to all, and upon ALL who will believe.  For ALL have sinned (Rom 3:22-23).

HE DRAWS NEAR TO MEN WHEN THEY ARE HUMBLED 

Ps 147:6; 1 Pet 5:5

HE DRAWS PEOPLE THROUGH LOSS, STORMS OF LIFE 

For He commands and raises the stormy wind,
Which lifts up the waves of the sea.
They mount up to the heavens,
They go down again to the depths;
Their soul melts because of trouble.
They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man,
And are at their wits’ end.
Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He brings them out of their distresses.
He calms the storm,
So that its waves are still.
Then they are glad because they are quiet;
So He guides them to their desired haven.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

Psalm 107:25-31

HE DRAWS PEOPLE THROUGH GRIEF, SORROW, BROKEN HEARTS

Psalm 34:18, Jer 31:25, He is a man of sorrows and acquainted with our grief (Is 53:2).

HE DRAWS PEOPLE THROUGH DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES IN OUR LIVES

He came to bind up our wounds, Ps 147:3, Is 61:1,

DRAWN THROUGH THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST 

2 Cor 11:3-4, So simple a child can understand – Luke 10:21

HE DRAWS MEN WHEN WE ARE GOOD SAMARITANS TO OTHERS

Luke 10:30-37

HE DRAWS MEN BY THE SHEDDING OF HIS BLOOD AT CALVARY

Just as Abel’s blood cried out against Cain, so will Christ’s blood cry out to those who rejected Him (we all have sinned), and did not accept His offer of eternal life.

GOD DRAWS MEN BY THE OFFER OF A GIFT WITHOUT PRICE OF ANY KIND  — HIS FREE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE.  

All these are some of the MANY ways the Lord tells us about in His Word to draw UNBELIEVERS to Himself.  (Find your own in His Word and add to this list)

Each can choose to believe or put confidence in what is True.  We all do it each and every day.  We believe the truth that the world is round, that the sun is still in the sky, and that there will be a sunset tonight.  It is never a work to believe something that is true.  And His truth has power (Heb 4:12, Rom 1:16-17, 1 Cor 1:17-18)

Believing in something doesn’t make us right.  

Believing upon Jesus Christ and His work for us makes us Righteous.

1. 1. By the Conviction of the Holy Spirit regarding the sin of unbelief, judgment, righteousness (Jn 16:7-11)
   2. Faith comes by hearing the Word (Rom 10:17: Ps 19:7b; 1 Jn 5:9-13; John 20:31).
   3. By knowing the Holy Scriptures. (2 Tim 3:15).
   4. By the preaching of the Gospel which is the Power of God unto salvation (Rom 1:16-17, 1 Cor 1:17-18).
   5. By the prayer of the Saints for the lost
   6. By the planting and the watering by the Saints
   7. By the increase which God gives after the above.

 Calvinists ask, ‘Why aren’t all saved if God draws all?’

One Calvinist asked me that question and said “If God drew all men, then He failed if all men are not saved.”   Is that the case?

What are some of the reason’s men are not saved?

Believer’s lack of love towards others – 

Believers speech and behavior – 1 Cor 5:1; Col 4:5-6; Eph 5:15; James 2

They will not come to Him that they might have life.  John 5:39-41; Matt 10:28-30

By believing men over what is written in the Word of God – 1 Cor 4:6

Men who have no trembling regarding Christ and Him crucified, they use their own wisdom of words – 1 Cor 2:1-5

They despise wisdom and instruction and do not apply their hearts to knowledge – Prov 1:7, Prov 22:17-21

Satan blinds men to the gospel (God does not pick some to be in unbelief, it is Satan) – 2 Cor 4:4

They do not believe the testimony God gave of His Son – John 5:39; 1 John 5:9-13

They refused to believe the miracles Jesus performed – John 10:31-33; Acts 2:22

They refuse His call by the gospel – Prov 1:24; 2 Thess 2:14

They resist God, the Holy Spirit – Acts 7:51

They do not want to hear, nor understand wisdom – Pr 1:1-5

They seek Him through works – Rom 9:32, Rom 4:4

They seek Him through another way – John 14:6,

They believe in other gods – Judges 10:14

They have been preached an accursed gospel – Gal 1:6-9

They have been told of another Jesus – 2 Cor 11:4

They count on their own righteousness or goodness – Rom 10:3-4, Gal 2:21

They physically stop up their ears so they don’t hear the truth – Acts 7:57

They are rebellious and stubborn – 2 Chr 36:11-12, Jer 17:23; Acts 7:51; Is 30:1; Ps 78:8

They are fools – Ps 14:1; 53:1

God resists them because of pride – 1 Pet 5:5, Pr 6

They love darkness – John 3:19

They love evil more than good – Ps 52:3

People don’t hear the Word – Rom 10:17

People don’t study the Word with God’s approval in mind, so they have a confusing gospel.    2 Tim 2:15

They cast His Word behind their backs and have no fear of it – Psalm 50:16-17, Is 66:2

Satan’s ‘ministers’ come in to corrupt minds from the simplicity that is in Christ – 2 Cor 11:3-4

Pastors and Shepherds will not mark and avoid the false, and therefore they malign/blaspheme the way of truth allowing in the wolves (Rom 16:17-18, 2 Pet 2:1-3; Gal 1:6-10, 2 Cor 11:3-4.

Instead of warning others and then commending them to the Word, they favorably quote ‘scholarly’ men who bring a false gospel into the flock, thereby making their faith shipwreck.  Their followers also then have a false gospel and keep the lost — lost.  What does this passage say about their guilt (Acts 20:25-32)?

Many won’t seek Him even though He manifests the truth to them in all these ways – Heb 11:6

They would rather believe a lie – 2 Thess 2:11

Their conscience is seared – 1 Tim 4:1-3

Sin, the deceitfulness of sin hardens hearts as it did with Pharaoh – Heb 3:13, 1 Sam 6:6

They suppress the truth in unrighteousness – Rom 1:18-21

Add some of your own ideas of God drawing to this article.  God bless you and thank you for considering the Scriptures.