Who makes the first move when a person comes to God?
God makes the first move. Jesus says, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me,” showing that the Father gives and moves a person before that person comes. No unbeliever naturally seeks God; if anyone has an appetite for the things of God, God put it there first.
Les explains that Jesus’ statement in John 6:37 answers who makes the first move: God does. He warns against believing anyone who says to seek this or seek after God, because it is impossible for an unbeliever to seek God; it is not in him. If a person suddenly has an appetite for the things of God, God put it there first. Jesus says all the Father gives Him shall come to Him, and the one who comes as a result of God’s moving him He will in no wise cast out. Les ties this to God’s choosing, electing, and sending, saying it means what it says, and then directs attention to John 10:28.
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
More Questions
Who makes the first move in salvation according to John 6:37?
In John 6:37 Jesus teaches that God makes the first move in salvation: all that the Father gives Him shall come to Him, so the coming is the result of God's prior action.
Can an unbeliever seek God on his own?
No unbeliever can or will seek after God on his own, because the ability is not in him; if a person has an appetite for the things of God, God put it there first.