brightfame52
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Drawing is also giving them the Gift of Faith. And its also actually saving them, converting themThe Calvinist reads John 12:32 as if Jesus said, “I will irresistibly save everyone I died for.” But Jesus actually said, “I will draw all men unto me,” and verse 33 clarifies He's talking about the type of death He would die, not an irresistible inward call.
The problem for Calvinism is that if “draw” means irresistible saving grace, and Jesus draws all men, then everyone would be saved, which even Calvinists deny. So to avoid universalism, they redefine “all men” to mean “all kinds of men” (i.e., the elect from every group), which is not in the text.
Their only options are:
Either way, John 12:32 breaks Calvinism. It teaches universal scope, not irresistible effect.
- Admit Jesus draws all people, which contradicts limited atonement and irresistible grace.
- Admit not all are drawn, which makes Jesus' statement false.
- Redefine words until the verse fits their system, which is dishonest exegesis.
Further, the Greek word helkō primarily means to drag, not to “persuade.” Even when it implies inward influence, Scripture shows people can resist (e.g., Acts 7:51, Matthew 23:37).
The appeal to I Corinthians 15:45 confuses resurrection power with salvation. That passage deals with resurrection bodies, not being born again. Similarly, Romans 8:10 refers to those already in Christ, not how they got there.
Finally, linking “draw” with “faith” through shared root meanings is theological sleight of hand. Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17), not by a pre-regenerating zap. Drawing is not equivalent to saving; it is invitation, not compulsion.
Further, the Greek word helkō primarily means to drag, not to “persuad
Yes it does have that connotation to persuade or win over:
2. metaphorically, to draw by inward power, lead, impel: John 6:44 (so in Greek also; as ἐπιθυμίας ... ἑλκουσης ἐπί ἡδονάς, Plato, Phaedr., p. 238 a.; ὑπό τῆς ἡδονῆς ἑλκόμενοι, Aelian h. a. 6, 31; likewise 4 Macc. 14:13; 15:8 (11).trahitsuaquemquevoluptas, Vergil, ecl. 2, 65); πάντας ἑλκύσω πρός ἐμαυτόν, I by my moral, my spiritual, influence will win over to myself the hearts of all, John 12:32. Cf. Meyer on John 6:44; (Trench, § 21, Compare: ἐξέλκω.) Strong's Greek: 1670. ἑλκύω (helkó) -- To draw, to drag
And the words "win over" means:
"Win over" is a phrasal verb meaning to persuade someone to support or agree with you, especially when they were previously opposed to your idea or position. It implies successfully influencing someone's opinion or gaining their favor.