Joh_17:2; Joh_17:6; Joh_17:9; Joh_17:11-12; Joh_17:24. - "Only A Special Limited Group To...

12. John 17:2; John 17:6; John 17:9; John 17:11-12; John 17:24. - "Only A Special Limited Group To Be Saved!" A Contradiction To God's Word.

We now go to John 17:1-26.  In his book Mr. Nettleton quotes portions of John 17:2; John 17:6; John 17:9; John 17:11-12; John 17:24. The portions that contain the statements “as many as thou hast given him” or “them which thou hast given me” he uses to endorse his position of election to salvation.  Then in his book on page 27, his conclusion after quoting portions of each of the foregoing Scriptures is:

“Christ is the Father's love gift to us. We are the Father's love gift to Christ. ‘As many as thou hast given me.' That speaks seven times over of a special, limited  group given by the Father to Christ. He planned it and is executing that plan. It is beyond our comprehension, but precious to believe.”

Nettleton's position is that only those are going to be saved whom the Father chooses or elects to give to Christ.  Of course, the only problem with this interpretation is--it contradicts other portions of God's Word.  For example--in the same Gospel, John, we would have a contradiction if we held to this interpretation. In John 3:17 we are told:

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

How many is the “world?”  That is everyone, as it is the Father's will that no one should perish.  He sent Christ into the world that through Him the world might be saved.

Again, in John 3:16 :

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Nettleton's interpretation of the verses in John 17:1-26 contradicts other portions of God's word and, of course, God cannot contradict Himself!  As the Bible says:

“…Let God be true, but every man a liar...” Romans 3:4

Now, concerning the points that Mr. Nettleton stressed in John 17:1-26 regarding his position on election.  We shall return to the Gospel of John to get the proper interpretation of the Father giving those chosen to Christ.

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” - John 6:37 When we go to John 6:44-45 we find out who the Father gives:

“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him…” (V.44) So the ones the Father gives are the ones the Father draws, and how does He draw them? The answer is found in John 6:45 :

“It is written in the prophets, and they shall all be taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” So the Father draws them by the Word of God--the Word that testifies of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. Now they cannot come unless they have heard and we are told in Romans 10:17 :

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” As we go to John 12:32 we find out how God draws those He is going to give to Christ. He draws them by the cross. Let us read John 12:32 :

“And I, I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” This is not all men without exception, because not all men are going to be saved, but rather all men without distinction as to race, creed, color, environment, or circumstances. When you allow Scripture to interpret Scripture, you get a correct interpretation. But when man takes ones Scripture and does his own interpreting, you come up with a philosophy that makes God out to be a liar. It makes God appear to contradict Himself; and, then, you find you have a false doctrine. This is exactly what the pseudo-doctrine of election to salvation does. God is “…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

God would not contradict Himself in the same Gospel.  In John 3:17 He states:

“…but that the world through Him might be saved.” And in John 3:18 :

“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already…”

God is not willing that any in the world should be lost or God would not have said:

“For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world…”

…because the world was already condemned, “…but that the world through him might be saved.”

It is God's will--because He loves the world--to see every individual saved.  But only those who exercise their own free will and right in accepting Christ as Savior will be the ones that the Father presents to the Son.  Therefore He draws them by way of the cross.  All that respond to the conviction and drawing of the Holy Spirit through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, believing in Jesus Christ--will the Father give to the Son as His love gift.  Remember, it is your choice--your free will to make that decision!