Whoever Comes is Not Cast Out
—John 6:37
In John 6:37 Jesus tells us three important things. First, the people he saves are given him by his Father. Second, Jesus wants people to come to him of their own willingness. Thirdly, Jesus will never refuse salvation to anyone who comes to him.
All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out (John 6:37).
1 Jesus says, "The Father gives to Me"
Jesus does not force himself on anyone and he does not usurp the will of his Father. In coming to Christ there is a protocol to be observed. The Holy Spirit issues God’s invitation through the scriptures. Those convicted by the Spirit’s word answer the invitation gladly. The Father accepts those who answer and come in faith and obedience, and he gives them to his Son to add to his flock. There is a very sound reason why the Father gives them to his Son. Jesus states the reason as follows...
14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. (John 10:14-16 NKJV).
My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand" (John 10:29 NKJV).
Paul shows us that the Father blesses us with all our spiritual blessings, but all those blessings are "in Christ".
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3 NKJV)
That's why the Father gives to Christ those who answer the invitation.
2 Jesus says, "Come to Me"
When Jesus says, "The one who comes to Me..." we understand that people come to him by invitation. The Scriptures issue this invitation. For example...
"The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17 NKJV).
"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world' " (Matthew 25:34 NKJV)
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 NKJV).
Now an invitation can be refused or ignored. Jesus told a parable to this effect (Luke 14:15-24). A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready'. But they all alike began to make excuses...
3 Jesus says, "I will not cast out"
That parable also teaches that God invites all humanity to come to Christ, not just one nation or one particular group. So anyone who hears the invitation and responds to it sincerely will be accepted by the Father and Jesus his Son.
It is widely taught that the Father chooses whom he will, and gives them to Jesus, without any reference to their desire, deeds, or doctrine. And once given to Jesus and saved, they can still lead sinful lives in no danger of being cast out.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).
With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:6-8 BSB ).
There are people who are like that —or at least desire and try to be. God gives Jesus such people, and therefore Jesus never casts them away from him. Rather he constantly forgives and sustains them.
But they try hard to obey the rule, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may approve what the will of God is, that which is good and pleasing and perfect " (Romans 12:2 NKJV ).
Six Steps to Grace
The words of Paul in Romans (and his agreement with Jesus in the gospels) on what people should do to receive grace.
1. Hearing Christ’s word (Romans 10:8-17, Matthew 7:24).
2. Believing —having faith (Romans 1:16-17, John 3:16).
3. Repentance from sin (Romans 2:4-5, Romans 6:1-2, Luke 5:31-32).
4. Confessing Christ (Romans 10:8-10, Matthew 10:32).
5. Being baptized into Christ’s death (Romans 6:3-4, Mark 16:15-16).
6. Ongoing commitment (Romans 12:1-2, Romans 12:11-12, Luke 9:62).