Thursday, January 18, 2024

John Chrysostom vs. the Manichean (and Calvinist) Interpretation of John 6:44

  

Ver. 44. “No man can come unto Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw Him.”

 

The Manichæans spring upon these words, saying, “that nothing lies in our own power”; yet the expression showeth that we are masters of our will. “For if a man cometh to Him,” saith some one, “what need is there of drawing?” But the words do not take away our free will, but show that we greatly need assistance. And He implieth not an unwilling comer, but one enjoying much succor. (John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of St. John 46)

 

Note how the Manicheans have a view of predestination and John 6:44 similar to James White and other modern Calvinists.