Answer Question
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. John 6:44
I have heard people claim that God chooses who will be saved, and who will not be saved. And one of the verses they base this on, according to them, is John 6:44.
But this is not what I see in that verse. What I see, according to 2 Peter 3:9 (among a few other verses in the New Testament) that God calls everyone to Himself. The Holy Spirit stirs up everyone's heart to come to God. But, many rejects that stirring, and hardens his or her heart against Him. And after a while, their heart is so hardened, that it is practically impossible to come to Him.
Now, going by John 6:44, and verses of the like, it is our sinful nature that is no one can come to the Father. Our natural beings are rebellious, and do not want God. So unless God comes and stirs up our hearts, it would not be possible for anyone to come to God, it would not be possible for anyone be saved. This is what is meant, "I love Him because He FIRST loved me".
I just thought I would share this bit of info. (Open to discussion)
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. John 6:44
I have heard people claim that God chooses who will be saved, and who will not be saved. And one of the verses they base this on, according to them, is John 6:44.
But this is not what I see in that verse. What I see, according to 2 Peter 3:9 (among a few other verses in the New Testament) that God calls everyone to Himself. The Holy Spirit stirs up everyone's heart to come to God. But, many rejects that stirring, and hardens his or her heart against Him. And after a while, their heart is so hardened, that it is practically impossible to come to Him.
Now, going by John 6:44, and verses of the like, it is our sinful nature that is no one can come to the Father. Our natural beings are rebellious, and do not want God. So unless God comes and stirs up our hearts, it would not be possible for anyone to come to God, it would not be possible for anyone be saved. This is what is meant, "I love Him because He FIRST loved me".
I just thought I would share this bit of info. (Open to discussion)