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Jumpstarter 9 of 10

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Romans Commentary Chapters 9-16  /  Romans 9:14-16 God Shows Mercy on Whom He Wills  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 9
Bercot states, “God does not do our repenting and believing for us,” yet also quotes John 6:44 (“no one can come unless the Father draws”); how do you hold together real human choice and God’s initiating draw without sliding into either self-confidence (“my will and running”) or passivity (“God will do it all”)?
Another way to ask: How can people truly choose to repent and believe if the Father must also draw them (John 6:44)? How do you avoid either pride (“I did it”) or laziness (“God will do it all”)?

Direct Answer Bercot holds them together by teaching that God initiates and empowers salvation, but humans must genuinely respond: we can “choose or reject” God’s drawing, and we must repent, believe, and endure. That undercuts self-confidence because grace is primary, and it blocks passivity because cooperation is required.

Support from Transcript:

  • Clear human responsibility: “God does not do our repenting and believing for us.”
  • Clear divine initiative: Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44).
  • Bercot’s synthesis: “we cannot even take the first step…unless the Father draws us,” but “if we respond…He forgives…justifies…adopts.”
  • He states explicitly: “We are free to choose or reject God’s call and His draw on our lives.”
  • He warns against self-reliance: “not everything is in our own power…we should not put confidence in our own labors.”
  • He warns against passivity by stressing effort: God requires us “to run the race obediently and with endurance,” and Jesus says “Strive to enter.”
Discussion Follow-ups What habits help you respond quickly to God’s drawing (prayer, repentance, obedience), while still giving God all credit for the “increase”?

Jumpstarter 9 of 10
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