Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 18
March 9, 1967
NUMBER 43, PAGE 9b

How Does One "Come To God?

Jesse M. Kelley

How does God draw men to Him? There are many theories. Some say he speaks in a "still, small voice and peace comes to the soul." Others will confidently affirm that God sends His Holy Spirit upon the person whom he wishes to draw to Him, and in a miraculous, unexplainable way a person is converted and drawn to God. Still others contend that God has foreordained certain ones to eternal life and certain others to eternal damnation, and that the number is so definite and fixed that it cannot be changed.

But let us hear Jesus on this matter. He said, "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)

This passage affirms that God draws men through teaching. The idea that the drawing power of God is something that is mysterious and unexplainable is the product of man and is erroneous. God created intelligent beings with minds that can learn and understand. Therefore He appeals to man's mind, and to his sense of right and wrong. It is impossible for a man to be drawn to God before he knows God. One uninformed of the will of God cannot obey Him. The law or word of God informs one HOW to be saved -it instructs him in how he can "come to God."

A man is drawn to the medical profession through learning. Of course he has first a desire to be a physician, but his desire alone does not make him one, it only motivates him to acquire the necessary knowledge. Therefore he becomes a physician through study and learning and then practicing the profession. Just so with the man who would be drawn to God. Just his desire to be a Christian is not enough. But if his desire is strong he will have the motivation to acquire the necessary knowledge through a study of God's word to become and be a Christian. Jesus said, "Whosoever hath HEARD and hath LEARNED of the Father cometh unto me." Many are not Christians because they have never learned how to become such; and many professed Christians are not living as Christians ought because they do not know how. But willful ignorance of God's word will not excuse one in the day of judgment. Both the church member and the sinner will alike stand condemned if they refuse to learn and obey God.

Not only must one "come to God," he must REMAIN WITH HIM if he would enjoy the blessing of salvation in eternity.

-800 Denise, Altus, Oklahoma