“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. 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.” (John 6:44-45)
Biblical passages illuminating God’s majestic grace as the requisite catalyst for true faith are woven like a beautiful garment throughout the whole of Scripture. Having been made abundantly clear, therefore, we must never forget that the intrinsic power of the Gospel to transform lives is not a product of human effort but of divine grace, pointing us to the true path towards Jesus Christ.
Expanding on this concept, we find three fundamental truths: 1) salvation cannot be acquired by mere human effort, 2) saving faith is a gift divinely conveyed to the soul, and 3) the bestowal of this faith is completely free and unmerited.
Human Limitations and True Faith: As children of Adam, we bear the evidences of our sinful nature from conception to the grave. And one such evidence is that we are, by nature, enemies of God. So apart from a direct infusion of divine grace, we lack any ability to genuinely believe in Christ.
A person can mentally acknowledge and even affirm the reality of Christ’s mission to save sinners, yet such an acknowledgment is not equivalent to saving faith (the devil himself can do such things). Authentic faith transcends intellectual assent, for genuine faith involves a transformation of heart that recognizes Jesus as our righteousness, wisdom, sanctification, and redemption. This transformation is not a byproduct of human intellect but the fruit of one born of water and of the Spirit, one who has experienced the new birth to life eternal.
Biblical Affirmation of Human Fallibility: The Bible vividly describes the fallen state of humanity. We are born in sin (Ps. 51:5) and naturally inclined towards wrongdoing. Such a pervasive state of corruption makes it implausible to believe that redemption could ever originate from within us. Just as a corrupt tree cannot yield good fruit, a sinful soul cannot produce genuine holiness. This is emphasized in 1 Cor. 2:14, where Paul reminds us that spiritual truths are beyond the grasp of natural human understanding.
The Divine Gift of Faith: Therefore, true faith cannot be generated by human effort; it is a gift that comes from God alone. Our very capacity to believe, as well as the act of believing itself, is a gracious gift from God. When God bestows faith to us and our soul accepts it, a beautiful connection between divine generosity and human receptivity occurs. “…even that faith by which we are in Christ does not begin except by the love of God, inasmuch as it is called the gift of God (Phil. 1:29).”[1]
In conclusion, the journey of true faith is a testament to God’s unparalleled grace. Our ability to believe, to love, and to live a life aligned with the Gospel is not achievable through human willpower but the transformative power of God’s great grace. Every step of this path, from hearing the Gospel to genuinely embracing it, is decreed by a loving Creator. As we reflect on our faith, may we continually remember and cherish its origin, leading us to a deeper gratitude and a stronger commitment to our Savior.
Contemplations:
- Lord, I acknowledge my inherent limitations and deeply thank You for Your boundless grace. Every day, guide me ever closer to a genuine faith that reflects Your transformative power. Allow my heart to always recognize Your hand in my spiritual journey. In my moments of doubt, remind me of the strength of Your love.
- Heavenly Father, as I meditate upon my relationship with You, let me forever remember the divine origins of my faith. Each sunrise, may I continually be humbled and inspired by Your unending love and grace. In times of confidence, remind me that You sustain me. As I walk with You, let gratitude be the anthem of my heart.
- Dear God, every day I seek to understand and embrace the depth of my faith, knowing it’s not by my might but by Your Spirit that I believe. Anchor my soul in Your truth, that I might be steadfast even amidst the storms of life. When I falter, gently lift me, reminding me that my faith is a gift from You. In my Christian walk, may I always recognize and celebrate the wonders of Your grace.
- Lord, as I navigate the path You’ve set before me, guide me in sharing the Gospel’s message of hope and love with others. Let my words and actions reflect Your heart, drawing others closer to You. May those I encounter experience the transformative power of Your grace and the profound gift of faith. Use me as a vessel, Lord, to help illuminate the world with Your radiant love.
Further References for John 6:44-45:
Jer. 31:33; John 6:37; 1 Cor. 2:12; Phil. 3:15
[1] Petrus van Mastricht, Faith in the Triune God, ed. Joel R. Beeke, trans. Todd M. Rester and Michael T. Spangler, vol. 2, Theoretical-Practical Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2019), 366.
