Jesus draws ALL MEN to Himself

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me. (John 12:32)

The King James Bible has correctly translated this verse, and as a result “men” is in italics, since the Greek simply says “all”. But God led those translators to insert “men” and make it say “all men” because that is at the heart of the Gospel.

As a result every translation (including Young’s Literal Translation) says the same thing (while using different words). This is very significant, in that it means that Christians – by and large – believe this verse is speaking about all mankind. And Christ draws all men to Himself through the Gospel. Hence the necessity of preaching the Gospel to “every creature” (Mark 16:15,16)

New International Version
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
New Living Translation
And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself."
English Standard Version
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
New American Standard Bible
"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."
King James Bible
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Holman Christian Standard Bible
As for Me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to Myself."
International Standard Version
As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself."
NET Bible
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”
GOD'S WORD® Translation
When I have been lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people toward me."
Jubilee Bible 2000
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
King James 2000 Bible
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
American King James Version
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to me.
American Standard Version
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.
English Revised Version
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.
Webster's Bible Translation
And I, if I shall be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to me.
Weymouth New Testament
And I-- if I am lifted up from the earth--will draw all men to me."
World English Bible
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
Young's Literal Translation
and I, if I may be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.'

Whereas Matthew Henry – who is probably the most well-known and outstanding Bible commentator – was committed to Reformed Theology, he refused to allow his theology to color his interpretation (shown below). He has correctly interpreted John 12:32,33.

MATTHEW HENRY'S COMMENTARY
(2.) That by the death of Christ souls should be converted, and this would be the casting out of Satan (v. 32): If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me. Here observe two things:—

[1.] The great design of our Lord Jesus, which was to draw all men to him, not the Jews only, who had been long in a profession a people near to God, but the Gentiles also, who had been afar off; for he was to be the desire of all nations (Hag. 2:7), and to him must the gathering of the people be. That which his enemies dreaded was that the world would go after him; and he would draw them to him, notwithstanding their opposition. Observe here how Christ himself is all in all in the conversion of a soul.

First, It is Christ that draws: I will draw. It is sometimes ascribed to the Father (ch. 6:44), but here to the Son, who is the arm of the Lord. He does not drive by force, but draws with the cords of a man (Hos. 11:4; Jer. 31:3), draws as the loadstone; the soul is made willing, but it is in a day of power. Secondly, It is to Christ that we are drawn: "I will draw them to me as the centre of their unity." The soul that was at a distance from Christ is brought into an acquaintance with him, he that was shy and distrustful of him is brought to love him and trust in him,—drawn up to his terms, into his arms. Christ was now going to heaven, and he would draw men’s hearts to him thither.

[2.] The strange method he took to accomplish his design by being lifted up from the earth. What he meant by this, to prevent mistake, we are told (v. 33): This he spoke signifying by what death he should die, the death of the cross, though they had designed and attempted to stone him to death. He that was crucified was first nailed to the cross, and then lifted up upon it. He was lifted up as a spectacle to the world; lifted up between heaven and earth, as unworthy of either; yet the word here used signifies an honourable advancement, ean hypsoµthoµ—If I be exalted; he reckoned his sufferings his honour.

Whatever death we die, if we die in Christ we shall be lifted up out of this dungeon, this den of lions, into the regions of light and love. We should learn of our Master to speak of dying with a holy pleasantness, and to say, "We shall then be lifted up."

Now Christ’s drawing all men to him followed his being lifted up from the earth. First, It followed after it in time. The great increase of the church was after the death of Christ; while Christ lived, we read of thousands at a sermon miraculously fed, but after his death we read of thousands at a sermon added to the church. Israel began to multiply in Egypt after the death of Joseph. Secondly, It followed upon it as a blessed consequence of it. Note, There is a powerful virtue and efficacy in the death of Christ to draw souls to him. The cross of Christ, though to some a stumbling-stone, is to others a loadstone.

Some make it an allusion to the drawing of fish into a net; the lifting up of Christ was as the spreading of the net (Mt. 13:47, 48); or to the setting up of a standard, which draws soldiers together; or, rather, it refers to the lifting up of the brazen serpent in the wilderness, which drew all those to it who were stung with fiery serpents, as soon as ever it was known that it was lifted up, and there was healing virtue in it. O what flocking was there to it! So there was to Christ, when salvation through him was preached to all nations; see ch. 3:14, 15.

Perhaps it has some reference to the posture in which Christ was crucified, with his arms stretched out, to invite all to him, and embrace all that come. Those that put Christ to that ignominious death thought thereby to drive all men from him; but the devil was outshot in his own bow. Out of the eater came forth meat.

On the other hand, John Calvin and John Gill (as well as probably other Calvinists) deliberately perverted this Scripture and caused it to mean “all the elect”. They have done this to every Scripture which speaks of “all men” or “the world”. However it is an extremely dangerous thing for anyone to pervert the Gospel of Christ.

This one verse should be an incentive to every Christian and every church to make every effort to bring the Gospel to every creature -- every human being.

Gods mantra? That NONE shall perish. The elect (the chosen few) are another kettle of fish, and not on topic for this post.

I think if I take God at his word, the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance, that there can be no such thing as a concomitant other being described in 2nd Peter chapter 3.As regards those who assume a chosen elect few are exclusive to everyone coming unto repentance.

This verse and others that speak of the universal aim of salvation certainly speaks against reformed doctrine, but the error is more insidious than simply limiting the atonement.

The reason reformed doctrine persists so strongly is because the doctrine that makes it a logical necessity to err either into limiting the atonement or saying that all men will finally be saved is prior to the obviously noxious doctrines.

Because it is nearly seen as a denial of the gospel to deny the T in TULIP by even staunch critics of the rest of the doctrines makes all the rest of them necessary if exclusivity of worship is to be preserved.

So while it is great to tug on the weed by exposing it poisonous fruit, it is the root that must be gone after if the doctrine is truly to be challenged.

The root of all false doctrine is unbelief -- refusing to simply believe with a simple child-like faith what God and Christ have said in the written Word of God.

As Matthew Henry pointed out, Christ compared His crucifixion to the Brazen Serpent in the wilderness (John 3:14,15). All of Israel was commanded to look upon that Serpent in live (after being bitten by fiery serpents). Thus all humanity is commanded to look upon Christ and live. Since all of humanity has been poisoned through Adam, God commands all men everywhere to (1) repent and (2) believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus Christ draws all men to Himself through the Gospel.

Love tells all who believe to practice patience and longsuffering with any who may be deceived for it can be alleviated with truth and love always........actually without love there is not real truth.

Matthew Henry's commentary is exactly what the calvinists of today are saying. The All means not just Jews but gentiles. World means not just Jews but people from all nations tribes and languages (rev 5:9)

Are you saying T is the root of the doctrine?

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As far as I can tell, in regard to the term 'the elect,' there isn't enough information about who they are, aside from them being chosen by God, to narrow them down to a particularly demographic.

I've seen a lot of people say the elect are Jewish converts to Christianity or a mysterious chosen few; however, there is no scripture that plainly says that or even suggests it.

Given the ambiguity of the way the term 'the elect' is used, I'm of the mindset that if someone is one of the elect then they chosen for eternal salvation - that's anyone who believes in the gospel - a Christian, due to the way scripture talks about those who are chosen by God[/QUOTE]

[/QUOTE]

Salvation is never the context if election but service.

Is it not written that Jesus-Yeshua is the Elect? Are all who believe Him not members of His Body?

I would think to be lifted up is a picture of salvation. This occurred when or as we believed His word working in us to both will and do His good pleasure .Our first love or experience in knowing Him. We are being lifted up to where we have our born again citizenship. The new Jerusalem prepared as the bride.

A distinction must be made between the Son of God (not seen) as the things of God, and the Son of man Jesus, the temporal seen as the things of men .

The cross is one of of the two demonstrations to include the garden demonstration used during the three days labor of love called in the heart of the earth. Sufferings as the Father poured out the wrath intended for us and being strengthened by the father lifted up from the father. In that way no man can come to the father and the Son of God not seen the anointing Holy Spirit of God .

We do not come through the Son of man, Jesus seen .He had no power to lift another having the same power we have in us that lifted him up. Not of us.

All of those he elected to draw he did. Or as many as the father gave to him . Not one more or one less.

Again its not the Son of man that can draw. We walk by faith the unseen.


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.
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. John6:44-45

Me the unseen power of the Son of God. The anointing Holy Spirit of God. No power is attributed to the corrupted flesh (earthen vessels)

This one verse should be an incentive to every Christian and every church to make every effort to bring the Gospel to every creature -- every human being.

Unfortunately, it is not so simple. There are some people in China who preach against Christianity. It seems that unbelief has become a religion. No matter where your post goes and where they follow, I can only pray for them,Normal communication is impossible.

HOw do you think about Matthew 21:22 And all things,whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,believing,ye shall receive.
keep all human can be saved and came to the truth of god in pray

Hebrew 9:28
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many;and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

In China, there is a proverb,
There is a man who likes Chinese dragons,his name is Lord Ye. His house is full of paintings and books about Chinese dragons. One day, the Chinese dragon comes to him.He was frightened, and he didn't know what to do.
and now he has return , not soon, already.
He arrived sooner than most people thought



This began on October 10th 2008,(At this time, the earth north and south are in summer , and I have a fig tree on my balcony )
I felt depressed that day and walked onto the balcony, which was cloudy morning, overcast and looks dark。I saw clouds like Chinese dragon, moving its body and watching me as said :" you little guy " when it's moving the sun is the one eye.Stare at me. time is AM 12:00
I want to describe my experiences as much as possible. i was not too amazing when I watching the sun the eye or the clouds or the Chinese dragon , People often says what clouds might looks like , but i know what i saw,it's not just looks like,i know which is which.
Then clouds came back to normal,I walked back to my room calmly,and thought "Shall I go out again? " I started wondering what I saw just curiosity。I go back to the balcony .and watch the sky and cloud , He showed up again in the form of Chinese dragon. I started thinking about taking pictures of my Motorola phone。Just as I was ready to take pictures,I saw him who beginning to feel angry,the color turned to red blood, I said clouds turned blood, then disappeared immediately , disappeared .I was scared, feeling as i just killled him.

Looking into the sky,heavy clouds and low down to surface ,lights looks dark，Suddenly clouds opened a hole in the sky .Bigger and bigger ，Perfect circle ，could see the sky very blue....There is a cloud of point at the center ，Bigger and bigger ,A huge white cross/crucifix appeared before me,
Then Jesus appeared before the cross; his gorgeous clothes were nothing like this world，but i didn't see the face ,the face is blue sky , Posture is like Jesus statue at Brazil，I'd rather repeat it again，his gorgeous clothes were nothing like this world，Clothes hung over the feet,Sleeve design is perfect，Hairstyle are consistent with what we think 。saints slowly appeared on his left side of Jesus ，Smaller than Jesus，Angel and two wings ,The number is about 12 to 30,maybe 24，Confused with men or women , feels like one flesh.
（Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother,and shall cleave unto his wife:and they shall be one flesh.）

Other vision ,I saw in the sky, Pyramid，Greek Athena ，old chinese firearms，etc。。。。。 It's all shows with the form of clouds as movie，I don't think it means anything. I think it's just describing long history.

After that,I saw a Naked girl ,Slowly emerge in front of me，Greek hairstyle，Very beautiful，She has a beautiful profile. the view of flank,hard to tell. I saw her slowly Pregnancy，Don't know why I was slightly uncontrollable kneeling down .


When all these finished,Time has reached to 3-5 p.m.I just feel a few minutes 。
BTW. I am myopic. When I saw Jesus, I was not myopic, but only for the moment.

Only love can make a man. The Lord will show signs to me. I can't hide. He knows when I will look up to heaven, when I need comfort, and what I lack. What I have learned from our god is to love your enemy,love everyone even The pagan. It is not uncommon to see many miracles,You see miracles every day, the people around you, the work of God's hand, everything is a miracle,What I want to express is the second coming of Jesus.Don't be afraid, don't be confused. God knows all the things and entrusts yourself to him. Of course, I don't do nothing. Sometimes I feel that I try so hard to convey the message, but I get far away.
Sometimes I want to give up, but what is more important than God .


luke 12:38
And if he shall come in the second watch,or come in the third watch,and fine them so,blessed are those servants.
The second coming.
Dont't miss the second watch , I meybe the watchman at this time.down't know about third watch.
Don't be a man like him ,Lord Ye
READ Luke 12

Unbelief, atheism is a religion. Its foundation is "out of sight out of mind." (no faith that comes exclusively from hearing God not seen ).

Cain the restless wanderer . Having no sabbath rest not being yoked with Christ to make the burden lighter. Cain is shown following the foundation of unconverted mankind. Out of sight out of mind. Plowed Abel under in the field .

Abel the first recorded apostle, prophet and martyr. His blood cries out from the field of blood to be clothed with the new incorruptible body.

Jesus said; its is a evil generation that has no faith that comes from hearing God .

Many nations and cultures build they saying on the proverbs or parables of God as oral traditions
.

I agree. When Jesus said he will draw all people to him, i think he was also referring what his death would do, and how it relates to history and also how it relates to scripture.

In a sense. Once the T is accepted the rest become logically necessary unless some escape is proposed.