Walking By Faith | The Divine Initiative - Chosen by God, Secured in Christ | John 6:37

"No sinner will ever come to Christ — unless the Father draws him and then he chooses Christ." - James Allwood Smith, 19th-century American Baptist preacher (1806-1882)

Introduction: Is a sudden interest in spiritual truth just a matter of human choice? Not according to John 6:37. Jesus explains that our spiritual journey is fueled by God’s active pursuit. 

Scripture Focus: "All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away" - John 6:37, NIV throughout

Salvation originates with God the Father, who sovereignly draws individuals to Christ. Jesus explicitly promises to never reject or cast out anyone who comes to Him, emphasizing an irrevocable welcome and eternal security. 

This passage, therefore, interweaves God's powerful, initiating action (divine initiative) with the necessary, authentic human response of coming to Christ in faith. Ultimately, no one can come unless first drawn by the Father, but all who do come are guaranteed secure acceptance.

In this message, we will provide a brief overview of the "divine initiative" in the first half of John 6:37, which refers to God the Father’s sovereign action in bringing people to faith in Jesus Christ. Core principles of the divine initiative include:

• The Father's Gift and Jesus' Welcome: “All those the Father gives me” signifies God’s sovereign choice and provision of people to Jesus for salvation.
• No One Can Come Unless Drawn: God's Spirit actively draws people to Jesus (John 6:44, 65), enabling them to overcome their natural inclination and respond to the Gospel, as John 6:37 explains.
• Guaranteed Acceptance: I Will Never Cast Out: Those given by the Father will certainly come to Jesus; the outcome is guaranteed by God's power, not human ability.
• Never Cast Out: For anyone who comes to Christ, His promise ensures they are accepted forever. Based on John 6:37, Jesus guarantees He will never turn away or reject those who seek Him, offering believers the certainty of eternal safety.

The Divine Initiative: “All those the Father gives me will come to me” This first part of the verse highlights God’s sovereign involvement in salvation, reminding believers that coming to faith is not purely a human effort but an initiative of God's grace. In it we see:

• God at Work - The Father's divine influence is what inspires people to come to His Son, as stated in John 6:44. Consequently, the very presence of a desire to seek God is a powerful indication that He is actively working within our lives. 
• Humility in Salvation - Realizing that God sought us out first, rather than the other way around, keeps us humble. We have no grounds for pride, as our very ability to turn toward Jesus is a gift granted to us by the Father. 

"How can these principles be applied to improve our daily habits and decisions?" Acknowledge and be grateful for the presence of divine influence in your life, as it confirms that your personal faith is an integral piece of a greater, sacred design. 

In conclusion, God's act of giving individuals to the Son is the foundational divine initiative in salvation, ensuring their eventual faith; thus, human belief is a result of, not a precondition for, God's prior grace. 

Prayer: "Dear Lord, we thank You for the assurance in Your Word that all You give to Jesus will come to Him. We are humbled by the grace that draws us to Your Son and thank You for the free gift of salvation and Your certain acceptance. Amen."

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane