For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Bob Elliott
If we can only come to faith in god when he draws us and it is his ultimate desire that all should come to him, why does he not draw everyone?
Carolyn Hostetter
I think He draws all people to Him. Only some hear the call and listen. I think God's gift of His marvelous grace is not heard or accepted by the others. Always take the gift.
Jennifer Rothnie
Bob, he does draw everyone.
"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." John 12:32.
This ties in well with John 3:14, which prefaces John 3:16-18:
""As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life."
The 'snake on the pole' was there for the entire Israeli community to look at. If they looked upon it, they were healed. If any did not look, the poison would remain. Num 21:6-9
In similar fashion, the Father sent Christ into the world so that man could be reconciled to God through Christ (John 3:17). Those who believe in Christ are granted eternal life (John 3:16), but those who do not believe stand condemned already (John 3:18) In order to draw all men, according to God's eternal plan, Jesus had to die (John 12:23-36).
Jesus also uses the 'light' analogy. He came as a light for all men (John 12:46, John 12:35-36, John 1:1-13). Yet, some love darkness, and refuse to come into the light because they fear their deeds will be exposed (John 3:19-21).
A. Wall
Simply put those who comes to Christ, are those who are convicted under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit . For God is Spirit and shall be worshipped in spirit and truth. Therefore, our spirits are convicted by the truth of the word of God. And our spirits are drawn by the Spirit of God to fall on our face and say what must I do to be saved. God searches the heart of man and knows the heart that is willing to follow Christ it was God who selected the Apostle to follow Christ.