Episode 37 — Do James 4:8 and John 6:44 Contradict Each Other? Drawing Near and Being Drawn in Light of Election

Description

James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
John 6:44 says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.”

At first glance, one verse seems to emphasize human action, while the other stresses divine initiative. Do these passages contradict each other? Do they undermine the doctrine of election?

In this episode, we examine both verses in context and show how they address different aspects of the Christian life—conversion and sanctification—without conflict. Far from contradicting election, both passages fit perfectly within the biblical framework of sovereign grace and human responsibility.

James 4:8 (ESV)

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

John 6:44 (ESV)

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.”

• Spiritual inability and divine initiative

• The context of James 4 (believers and repentance)

• The context of John 6 (conversion and salvation)

• Command does not imply natural ability

• Sovereignty and responsibility working together

John 6:37

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

John 6:44

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him…”

Romans 8:7–8

“The mind that is set on the flesh… does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.”

1 Corinthians 2:14

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God… and he is not able to understand them…”

John 6 explains why anyone comes to Christ at all—God must draw first.

James 4:4

“Friendship with the world is enmity with God.”

James 4:8

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

James addresses believers drifting into worldliness and calls them to repentance and restored fellowship.

Deuteronomy 10:16

“Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart…”

Deuteronomy 30:6

“The LORD your God will circumcise your heart…”

Philippians 2:12–13

“…work out your own salvation… for it is God who works in you…”

Scripture frequently commands what only God can ultimately enable.

1 John 4:19

“We love because he first loved us.”

Election initiates; believers respond.

• John 6:44 addresses conversion and spiritual inability.

• James 4:8 addresses sanctification and restored fellowship.

• Divine sovereignty and human responsibility are not opposites.

• God draws sinners to salvation; believers draw near in obedience.

• The two verses complement rather than contradict each other.

James 4:8 and John 6:44 do not oppose one another. John 6 explains why anyone comes to Christ—God draws first. James 4 calls believers to pursue deeper fellowship. Election does not eliminate responsibility; it makes obedience possible. The God who draws sinners effectually also invites His redeemed people to draw near to Him daily.

Key PassagesMain ThemesScripture References (ESV)Spiritual Inability (John 6 Context)Repentance and Fellowship (James 4 Context)Command and Divine EnablingDivine Initiative and Human ResponseKey TakeawaysBottom Line

Episode 36 — Does Revelation 3:20 Refute Election? Or Does It Teach Universalism?

Description

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” (Revelation 3:20, ESV)

This verse is often used in evangelism to portray Jesus knocking on the door of every human heart, waiting for permission to enter. Some claim it disproves election or teaches that salvation ultimately depends on human decision. Others even suggest it supports universalism.

In this episode, we examine Revelation 3:20 in its immediate context and in light of the whole counsel of Scripture. We show that this passage is addressed to a lukewarm church, concerns restored fellowship—not initial conversion—and does not refute sovereign election or teach universal salvation.

Revelation 3:20 (ESV)

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

Jesus is addressing the church in Laodicea.

Revelation 3:14 (ESV)

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write…”

Revelation 3:15–16 (ESV)

“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot… because you are lukewarm… I will spit you out of my mouth.”

This is covenant rebuke and discipline language directed toward a professing church—not an evangelistic appeal to the entire world.

• Audience: a complacent church

• Fellowship vs. justification

• Christ’s sovereign initiative

• Hearing His voice

• Why this verse does not teach universalism

The promise is relational:

Revelation 3:20 (ESV)

“…I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

This is table fellowship language—symbolizing restored communion—not regeneration or justification.

Even in this passage, Jesus takes the first step.

1 John 4:19 (ESV)

“We love because he first loved us.”

Philippians 2:13 (ESV)

“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work…”

Grace initiates; believers respond.

Hearing in Scripture is spiritual and effectual for Christ’s sheep.

John 10:27 (ESV)

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Acts 13:48 (ESV)

“As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.”

Election precedes and guarantees response.

Other clear passages affirm sovereign grace:

John 6:37 (ESV)

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

John 6:44 (ESV)

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.”

Revelation 3:20 must be read consistently with these texts.

The verse is conditional:
“If anyone hears… and opens…”

Not everyone hears. Not everyone responds.

Final judgment remains real.

Revelation 20:15 (ESV)

“If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

• Revelation 3:20 is addressed to a church, not the world at large.

• The passage concerns restored fellowship, not initial regeneration.

• Christ initiates even here.

• Hearing His voice is consistent with sovereign grace.

• The verse does not refute election or teach universalism.

Revelation 3:20 is not a picture of Christ helplessly knocking at every human heart. It is a call to repentance directed toward a complacent church, with a promise of restored fellowship. Read in context and alongside the rest of Scripture, it harmonizes perfectly with the doctrines of sovereign election and effectual grace.

Key PassageContext MattersMain ThemesFellowship, Not Initial SalvationChrist InitiatesWho Hears His Voice?This Verse Does Not Refute ElectionThis Verse Does Not Teach UniversalismKey TakeawaysBottom Line

Episode 35 — Does Romans 10:10–13 Refute Election? Or Does It Teach Universalism?

Description

Romans 10:13 is one of the most quoted verses in evangelism:

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (ESV)

But does this verse refute the doctrine of election?
Does it teach that all people will ultimately be saved?

In this episode, we examine Romans 10:10–13 in its immediate and broader biblical context. We show that this passage affirms the universal offer of the gospel without denying sovereign election—and it does not support universalism.

Romans 10:10–13 (ESV)

“For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.
For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”

• Salvation requires faith and confession

• “Everyone” in context (Jew and Gentile alike)

• The difference between universal offer and universal salvation

• Election and human responsibility in Romans

• Calling as the result of sovereign grace

Romans 10:10

“With the heart one believes and is justified…”

Romans 3:28

“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”

Universalism cannot stand where faith is required.

Romans 10:12

“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek…”

Paul’s emphasis is on inclusion of Gentiles—not universal salvation.

Revelation 5:9

“You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

The scope is global, not universal without exception.

Romans 8:30

“Those whom he predestined he also called…”

Romans 9:16

“So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”

Romans 10 must be read in light of Romans 8–9.

Romans 3:11

“No one seeks for God.”

Romans 8:7–8

“The mind that is set on the flesh… does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.”

John 6:44

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.”

Calling on the Lord is real—but it flows from God’s prior work.

Acts 13:48

“As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.”

Philippians 1:29

“It has been granted to you… to believe in him.”

• Romans 10 affirms the necessity of faith.

• “Everyone” refers to all who call—without ethnic distinction.

• The passage does not teach universal salvation.

• Election and gospel proclamation coexist in Romans.

• God’s sovereign grace ensures that His people will call on Him.

Romans 10:10–13 magnifies the universal proclamation of the gospel without denying sovereign election. The promise is clear: everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved. Scripture also makes clear why anyone calls at all—because God first works in the heart.

Key PassageMain ThemesScripture References (ESV)Salvation Is Conditional Upon FaithNo Distinction Between Jew and GentileElection in the Same LetterWho Actually Calls?Grace Precedes FaithKey TakeawaysBottom Line

Episode 34 — Does John 3:19 Confirm Total Depravity?

Description

In John 3:19, Jesus explains why people remain in unbelief:

“The light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light…”

Is the problem lack of evidence—or love of sin?

In this episode, we examine whether John 3:19 supports the doctrine of Total Depravity. We explore how Scripture describes humanity’s fallen condition—not as morally neutral, but as spiritually dead, hostile to God, and unable to come to Christ apart from regenerating grace.

John 3:19 (ESV)

“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”

• What Total Depravity actually means

• Love of darkness as the root of unbelief

• Moral inability vs. physical inability

• Spiritual death and regeneration

• The necessity of the new birth

John 3:19–20

“…people loved the darkness rather than the light…”
“Everyone who does wicked things hates the light…”

Unbelief is rooted in desire, not ignorance.

Romans 3:10–11

“None is righteous, no, not one… no one seeks for God.”

Humanity does not naturally pursue God.

Romans 8:7–8

“The mind that is set on the flesh… does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.”

1 Corinthians 2:14

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God… and he is not able to understand them…”

Inability is rooted in hostility and love of sin.

Ephesians 2:1–5

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins… But God… made us alive together with Christ.”

Dead sinners require divine resurrection.

John 3:3

“Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:5

“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

Regeneration precedes saving faith.

John 6:44

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.”

1 John 4:19

“We love because he first loved us.”

Grace changes the heart’s loves.

• John 3:19 identifies the root problem as love of darkness.

• Humanity’s inability is moral—people will not come because they love sin.

• Scripture consistently describes sinners as dead and unable.

• Regeneration is necessary before anyone comes to Christ.

• Total Depravity magnifies the necessity and glory of sovereign grace.

John 3:19 does not describe spiritual neutrality—it describes spiritual rebellion. The Light has come, yet fallen humanity loves darkness. Total Depravity explains why salvation must begin with God. Unless God changes the heart, no one will come to the Light.

Key PassageMain ThemesScripture References (ESV)Love of DarknessUniversal SinfulnessMoral InabilitySpiritual DeathThe Necessity of the New BirthDivine InitiativeKey TakeawaysBottom Line

Show Notes

Bonus Episode 20 — God's Grace Became Real to Me

This bonus episode is more personal than my usual theological discussions.

Instead of examining a controversial passage of Scripture, I share my own testimony of how suffering transformed my understanding of God's grace. After experiencing a stroke, losing my career, and facing an uncertain future, I discovered that the grace of God is not merely a theological concept—it is a daily reality that sustains His people.

Drawing from 2 Corinthians 12:9, we explore how God's strength is displayed through human weakness and why His grace is truly sufficient for every believer.

If you are facing illness, disability, loss, disappointment, or uncertainty, I hope this episode reminds you that Christ has not abandoned you. The same grace that saves us is the grace that carries us through every trial.

Scripture Discussed

• 2 Corinthians 12:9

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Thank you for listening to The Closet Calvinist Podcast.

If this episode encouraged you, consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who may need the reminder that God's grace is sufficient, even in life's most difficult seasons.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Episode 33 — Does Matthew 23:37 Refute Irresistible Grace?

Description

In Matthew 23:37, Jesus laments over Jerusalem:

“How often would I have gathered your children together… and you were not willing.”

Many point to this verse as proof that God’s saving will can be resisted and that grace ultimately depends on human decision.

But does this passage actually refute the doctrine of Irresistible Grace?

In this episode, we examine the context, the audience, and the language of the verse to see whether it contradicts sovereign grace—or confirms it.

Matthew 23:37 (ESV)

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”

• What Irresistible Grace actually teaches

• Context: judgment on Israel’s religious leaders

• Distinguishing “you” from “your children”

• Human resistance vs. divine decree

• Compassion and sovereignty held together

Irresistible Grace does not teach that God forces people against their will. It teaches that when God regenerates a sinner, He changes the heart so that the sinner comes willingly.

John 6:37 (ESV)

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

Psalm 110:3 (ESV)

“Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power.”

Grace liberates the will—it does not violate it.

Jesus is addressing the scribes and Pharisees.

Matthew 23:13 (ESV)

“You shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces…”

The leaders were actively preventing others from coming to Christ.

In verse 37, the unwillingness belongs to those leaders (“you”), while “your children” refers to the people under their influence.

Scripture never presents Jesus as failing to accomplish the Father’s saving plan.

John 6:38–39 (ESV)

“I have come down from heaven… that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me…”

John 10:27–28 (ESV)

“My sheep hear my voice… and they will never perish.”

Christ successfully gathers all whom the Father gives Him.

Matthew 23:37 shows genuine human resistance and culpability.

Romans 8:7–8 (ESV)

“The mind that is set on the flesh… does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.”

Resistance highlights moral inability—it does not disprove sovereign grace.

Jesus’ lament reveals true compassion without undermining divine sovereignty.

Ezekiel 33:11 (ESV)

“I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked…”

Romans 9:18 (ESV)

“So then he has mercy on whomever he wills…”

God’s compassion is sincere, and His sovereign purposes stand firm.

• Matthew 23 is a judgment passage, not a failed salvation attempt.

• The unwillingness in the verse belongs to Jerusalem’s leaders.

• Irresistible Grace teaches willing response after regeneration.

• Christ does not fail to gather those given to Him.

• Human responsibility and divine sovereignty coexist in Scripture.

Matthew 23:37 does not teach that grace fails—it teaches that sinners resist. Irresistible Grace explains why some stop resisting. When God changes the heart, His sheep come freely and joyfully. Christ gathers every one the Father has given Him.

Key PassageMain ThemesUnderstanding Irresistible GraceThe Immediate ContextChrist’s Will and the Father’s PurposeHuman Resistance Is RealCompassion and Sovereignty TogetherKey TakeawaysBottom Line

Bonus Episode 19 Show NotesActs 13:48 — Who Appointed Them to Eternal Life?

In Acts 13:48, Luke records one of the clearest statements in Scripture concerning God's sovereign election:

"And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed." (ESV)

Why did Luke write the verse this way? Why didn't he simply say that those who heard the gospel believed?

In this episode, we examine why Luke intentionally points to God's sovereign appointment as the reason certain Gentiles came to faith. Everyone heard the same gospel preached by Paul and Barnabas. Everyone heard the same message. Yet only those who had been appointed to eternal life believed.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Why Acts 13:48 is a powerful testimony to God's sovereign election.

• Who did the appointing.

• Whether this appointment took place before the individuals believed.

• Why faith is presented as the result of God's gracious work rather than its cause.

• What happened to those who heard the gospel but remained in unbelief.

• How Acts 13:48 harmonizes with John 6:37, John 6:44, Ephesians 1:4, Romans 8:29–30, and 2 Timothy 1:9.

• Why God's sovereign election is an encouragement—not a hindrance—to evangelism.

• Acts 13:48

• John 6:37

• John 6:44

• Ephesians 1:4

• Romans 8:29–30

• 2 Timothy 1:9

Thank you for listening to The Closet Calvinist Podcast. If this episode encouraged you, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with others who desire to grow in their understanding of God's Word and His sovereign grace.

Episode 32 — Does Joshua 24:15 Refute Election?

Description

“Choose this day whom you will serve.”
— Joshua 24:15

This verse is frequently quoted as proof that salvation ultimately depends on human choice. But does Joshua 24:15 actually refute the doctrine of election?

In this episode, we examine the verse in its full covenant context and discover that it does not contradict election at all. In fact, when read carefully, Joshua 24 supports the biblical pattern of sovereign grace preceding human response.

Joshua 24:15 (ESV)

“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

• Covenant renewal, not an evangelistic altar call

• God’s sovereign initiative before human response

• Commands do not prove natural ability

• Moral responsibility within divine sovereignty

• Election as the foundation of obedience

Joshua 24 is addressed to Israel — a people God had already chosen and redeemed.

Joshua 24:2–3 (ESV)

“Thus says the LORD… I took your father Abraham…”

Joshua 24:13 (ESV)

“I gave you a land on which you had not labored…”

The chapter begins with God’s sovereign action — “I took,” “I sent,” “I gave.”
Grace precedes the call to choose.

Deuteronomy 7:6 (ESV)

“The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession…”

The command to choose comes after election, not before it.

Scripture frequently commands what fallen humanity cannot do apart from grace.

Deuteronomy 10:16 (ESV)

“Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart…”

But God must ultimately perform that work:

Deuteronomy 30:6 (ESV)

“And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart…”

Just a few verses later, Joshua says:

Joshua 24:19 (ESV)

“You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God.”

This echoes New Testament teaching:

John 6:44 (ESV)

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.”

Scripture consistently holds both truths together:

Philippians 2:12–13 (ESV)

“…work out your own salvation… for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work…”

Romans 9:16 (ESV)

“So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”

Election does not eliminate responsibility.
It explains why God’s people ultimately respond in faith and obedience.

• Joshua 24:15 occurs in a covenant context of prior grace.

• God’s sovereign choosing precedes Israel’s commanded response.

• Commands reveal responsibility, not autonomous ability.

• The Bible consistently teaches both divine sovereignty and human accountability.

• Joshua 24:15 supports the biblical pattern of election followed by obedience.

Joshua 24:15 does not refute election — it presupposes it.
God chose, redeemed, and preserved Israel before calling them to covenant faithfulness. The command to choose flows from sovereign grace, not independent human autonomy.

Key PassageMain ThemesContext MattersIsrael Was Already ChosenCommands Do Not Equal AbilityJoshua Affirms InabilityHuman Choice Within Divine SovereigntyKey TakeawaysBottom Line

Bonus Episode 18: Refuting the Prescient ViewEpisode Description

Many Christians reject Calvinism because they believe God's election is based on His foreknowledge of who will believe. This is commonly known as the Prescient View. According to this position, God looked down through time, saw who would freely choose Christ, and then elected those individuals to salvation.

But is that what Scripture actually teaches?

In this episode, we examine the Prescient View and show why God's foreknowledge cannot simply mean foresight of future faith. We will look at key passages such as Romans 8:29, Ephesians 1, and Acts 13:48 to demonstrate that election is rooted in God's sovereign purpose and grace, not in foreseen human decisions.

• What the Prescient View teaches

• The difference between foreknowledge and foresight

• Why Romans 8:29 does not support conditional election

• The biblical order of salvation

• Why election is based on God's grace, not human choice

• Common objections answered

• Romans 8:29-30

• Ephesians 1:4-5

• Ephesians 1:11

• Acts 13:48

• John 6:37

• John 6:44

• Romans 9:11-16

• 2 Timothy 1:9

If election is based upon foreseen faith, then faith becomes the decisive factor in salvation rather than God's sovereign grace. Scripture consistently presents God's choice as the cause of our faith, not the result of it. God's foreknowledge is relational and covenantal, referring to those whom He set His love upon beforehand, not merely those whose future decisions He observed.

"God does not choose us because we believe. We believe because God has graciously chosen us."

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Episode 31 — Limited Atonement: But Who Does the Limiting—God or Man?

Description

Is the atonement limited?

Every theological system answers yes. The real question is not whether the atonement is limited—but who does the limiting.

Did Christ actually secure salvation for a definite people?
Or did He merely make salvation possible, leaving its effectiveness up to human decision?

In this episode, we examine whether Scripture presents the cross as a decisive accomplishment or a universal provision dependent on man’s will.

• The atonement’s design and intent

• Definite redemption vs. potential redemption

• Did Christ actually secure salvation?

• Double payment and divine justice

• The meaning of “world” and “all” in context

Matthew 1:21

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

John 10:14–15

“I am the good shepherd… and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

John 10:26

“But you do not believe because you are not among my sheep.”

Hebrews 10:14

“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”

John 6:37

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

John 6:39

“This is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me…”

Romans 8:30

“Those whom he predestined he also called…”

Isaiah 53:11

“…he shall bear their iniquities.”

If Christ bore the sins of every individual without exception, yet some are still punished eternally, that would imply double payment for the same sins.

John 11:51–52

“…to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.”

Revelation 5:9

“…you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

“World” often refers to global scope, not every individual without exception.

• Everyone limits the atonement in some way.

• If God limits it → Christ actually saves.

• If man limits it → the cross only makes salvation possible.

• Scripture presents the atonement as effective and definite.

• Christ does not fail to save those He died for.

The question is not whether the atonement is limited—but whether it is limited in extent or in power. Scripture consistently portrays the cross as accomplishing exactly what God intended: the certain salvation of His people. The atonement is not potential. It is powerful, purposeful, and perfectly effective.

Key ThemesCore Scripture References (ESV)Christ Died to Actually SaveThe Father’s Given PeopleJustice and Double PaymentUnderstanding “World” and “All”Key TakeawaysBottom Line