Free Will Debate Round 2a Antony’s Questions for Windsor
1) John 6:44: "No man can come to me except the Father who sent me draw Him".
You say this means the Father draws all men on the planet to Christ.
However, in 6:37, 6:65 & 17:6-9, we read of the "narrowing down" of those whom the Father purposely chooses to give to Jesus--- without fail. "All that the Father gives me SHALL come to me" and can only do so "except it be given to them." The context in these passages clearly limits those who will be drawn and given; implicitly suggesting there will be those who simply SHALL NOT be drawn, and those who will not be "given". How do you logically harmonize your "ALL" interpretation of 6:44, with that of only the "MANY" in 6:37, 6:65 & 17:6-9?
2) John 12:32: "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me".
Again you assert that "ALL MEN" in this passage must mean every man on earth. But Revelation 5:9 indicates that this may very well mean, all "KINDS" of men; for He redeemed men "out of"
every kindred, tongue, people and nation. Will you now admit that
there may be limitations to your "every" man on earth scenario? Remember: He was "set for the fall and rising of many" (Lk 2:34).
3) Are you saying that the crucifixtion results in the drawing of all men unto Himself? If so, how do you reconcile your take on 12:32, with the "BUT" of 1 Cor 1:23-24? The message of the cross will NOT draw every single person on earth: "Christ crucified [is a] stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles---but to those who are called, [it is] the wisdom of God".
Word Count: 302
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