Man’s Moral and Natural Ability, Part 6

It is enlightening to read the views of original sin from great men of the past such as Jonathan Edwards and St. Augustine.  However, neither of them, as good as they are, can compare to the authority and teaching of Jesus Himself.

What is Jesus’ teaching on Original Sin?

In John 6:65, Jesus made this profound statement:  “Therefore, I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”   Here are some key observations that should be pointed out:

First, there is a universal negative. 

Jesus said, “no one.”  These two words are all-inclusive.  They allow for absolutely no exception, except the exception Jesus adds concerning the Father. Therefore, because of man’s original sin and the desire of God, no one can come to Jesus unless it has been personally granted from the Father.

Second, there is a universal ability.

Jesus used the word “can.”  What Jesus is pointing out is a person’s ability, not permission.

Have you ever gotten the words “can” and “may” confused?  In school I would often be corrected.  I would say to the teacher, “Can I get a drink of water?”  My teacher would reply, “I don’t know.  Can you?”  After I caught on to what the teacher was doing, I changed my phrase to “May I get a drink of water?”  The teacher would say, “You may.”

You see, “can” has to do with a person’s ability.  “May” has to do with permission. Jesus did not say “may” (referring to permission), but “can” (referring to ability). According to Jesus, “No one can come to Me.”  In other words, absolutely no one has the personal ability to come to Jesus apart from divine enablement.

This is key and critical. No method we use, no speech, no cleverness of teaching, no personality of fame and notoriety will bring anyone to Jesus. Only the Father has the divine right and power to do so. And He does so to whomever He desires.

Of course, we can use such things and redeem them to the glory of God, but we must never trust in them as the divine means to bringing people to Christ. In the end, only God can do so. 

End of Part 6