Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

July 29– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“All that the Father gives me will come to me.”

—John 6:37

This declaration of Jesus involves the doctrine of God’s choosing (or electing) will; that is, there are some specific persons whom the Father chooses to give to His Son, Jesus Christ. This declaration also involves the doctrine of effectual (or effective) calling; that is, those who are given from the Father to the Son must and will come to Christ. Yes, though they live in sin, resolutely set against coming to Christ, as all men do, yet God will break through that darkness and bring them into His marvelous light.

This declaration also teaches us the indispensable necessity of personal faith, for those who are given to Christ are not saved apart from faith, but through faith. They come, indeed, for there is no other way to heaven except through the one door of Jesus himself. “All” whom the father gives will come to Christ.

Oh! the power and majesty which rest in the words “will come.” He does not say they “have power” to come, nor that they “may come,” but rather, they “will come.” The Lord Jesus uses his messengers, his word, and his Spirit, sweetly and graciously to compel men to come. He does not violate a man’s will and choice, but He enables it by the power of His grace. Jehovah Jesus knows how to subdue the whole man. He does this by using irresistible arguments addressed to the understanding, by mighty reasons appealing to the affections, and by the mysterious influence of his Holy Spirit upon all the powers and passions of the soul. The result is that whereas a man was once rebellious, he yields willingly and cheerfully to God’s rule, subdued by sovereign love.

But how do we know whom God has chosen? By this result: that they do willingly and joyfully accept Christ, and come to him with simple and authentic faith, resting upon him for their salvation and with all their desire. Dear reader, have you come like this to Jesus? [M&E]