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    Theology & Doctrine

    What Is Irresistible Grace?

    What Is Irresistible Grace? Irresistible grace is the doctrine that when God sovereignly calls a sinner to salvation, the Holy Spirit effectually draws him to Christ.

    Key verse: John 6:44 (KJV)

    Irresistible grace is the doctrine that when God sovereignly calls a sinner to salvation, the Holy Spirit effectually draws him to Christ.

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    Quick Answer

    Irresistible grace is the doctrine that when God sovereignly calls a sinner to salvation, the Holy Spirit effectually draws him to Christ.

    "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." — John 6:44 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    Irresistible grace, also called effectual calling, teaches that God's saving call cannot ultimately be resisted by those whom He has chosen. The natural man left to himself will always reject the gospel, for he is spiritually dead. But when God purposes to save, the Holy Spirit applies the gospel to the heart, overcoming the sinner's rebellion, opening blind eyes, and granting both repentance and faith. 'No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him' (John 6:44). This drawing is not coercion against the will — it is the renewing of the will so that the sinner gladly comes. Every Christian's conversion is a testimony to this sovereign, gracious work of God.

    Topic Overview

    What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?

    What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.

    Key Scripture References

    "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day."
    "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."
    "Whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

    Related Questions

    Deep Dive Commentary

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    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside John. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read John on day 302 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “What Is Irresistible Grace?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Irresistible grace, also called effectual calling, teaches that God's saving call cannot ultimately be resisted by those whom He has chosen. The natural man left to himself will always reject the gospel, for he is spiritually dead. But when God purposes to save, the Holy Spirit applies the gospel to the heart, overcoming the sinner's rebellion, opening blind eyes, and granting both repentance and faith. 'No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him' (John 6:44). This drawing is not coercion against the will — it is the renewing of the will so that the sinner gladly comes. Every Christian's conversion is a testimony to this sovereign, gracious work of God.

    Election is God's sovereign choice, before the foundation of the world, to save a people for Himself through Jesus Christ.

    Predestination is the doctrine that God has foreordained certain events, particularly the salvation of believers, according to His sovereign will and purpose.