"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." (John 12: 32)
Arminians argue that these verses are an answer to Calvinist argumentation on John 6: 44-45. They argue that all men are drawn, and this proves that the drawing is not effectual or irresistible since all are not actually or effectually drawn. But, consider these facts.
First, "all men" cannot possibly mean "every human being." Many Arminians cannot but help admit this. Many of them do not believe that the infant is included in the "all men." And, if so, then "all men" cannot mean "every human being." Thus, if they can exclude a certain class of human beings from "all men," then so may Calvinist also do so.
Further, "all men" cannot include those who were already dead and in Hell. Cain, Esau, and Pharoah cannot be included. So, again, "all men" cannot mean "every human being."
Also, most Arminians admit that this drawing is done by the Gospel and yet millions have died who never heard the Gospel. Thus, "all men" cannot possibly mean "every human being." Christ is not saying "I will cause all human beings to hear the Gospel."
Further, the text indicates that all will be drawn, meaning not that God will make an effort to draw them, but that they will actually be drawn. If that which is being drawn is not actually drawn, it could not be said that they have been drawn. The statement is not focusing on the cause irrespective of the effect. All those who are drawn come, as Jesus taught in John 6.
The only condition for the fulfillment of the effect is the lifting up of Christ. A man who does not come to Christ cannot be said to have been drawn. If I say that I drew water out of the well, it cannot mean merely that I made the attempt to draw the water, but that I actually did draw it.
Clearly the "all men" means "all men without distinction," not "all men without exception." This is the way "all men" is used numerous times in holy scripture.
3 comments:
Hi Stephen, I guess my question is why doesn't the text plainly read some from every tribe tongue and nation or all kinds of people. Why does the text read all.
I think your distinctions are pretty far reaching in trying to characterize the arminian view.
i.e.
"Also, most Arminians admit that this drawing is done by the Gospel and yet millions have died who never heard the Gospel. Thus, "all men" cannot possibly mean "every human being." Christ is not saying "I will cause all human beings to hear the Gospel."
This proves pretty much nothing. We don't believe that those that are drawn can't refuse to receive the gift of salvation. Thanks for you post though.
Russ
Dear Russ:
Do you, or don't you, believe that "all men" means "every human being"? Does Christ draw infants? Does he draw those who never hear the Gospel?
Why don't you prove that "all men" means "every human being"?
Blessings,
Stephen
Hi Stephen,
Good questions I'll try to answer
You said:
Do you, or don't you, believe that "all men" means "every human being"?
** yes, that's alive. Hebrews 9:27 states it's too late after death.
Does Christ draw infants? I believe he does, but I have no idea how much they could possibly understand or know or comprehend. I think that proceeding Grace is to not only woe but bring forth the conviction of sin, righteousness to come.
Does he draw those who never hear the Gospel? yes there are various testimonies of people being saved through visions and dreams of Christ.
Could you identify where the text teaches, some from every tribe, tongue, nation, or some of every kind?
Thank you Stephen
Bless you.
Russ
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