There is seeing and then there is seeing.  Even Jesus distinguished between the two.  It’s like always learning, but nothing sticking.  We can look at something, but it makes no difference.  We don’t get it.  Anyone who falls for the trite, oft trotted-out truism of ‘seeing is believing’ has never read the Bible.  Count up how many people witnessed Jesus’ miracles, yet did not believe.  They reacted with either indifference or hatred. Why is that?  Let’s look first at the terms and how they are used.

Greek offers several verbs to satisfy the distinction between two kinds of vision.  There is: Horeo – to see (3708)

John 6:36 – “But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe.

And then there is: Theoreo – to behold (2334)

John 6: 44 – “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I, Myself, will raise him up on the last day.

John 8: 51 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word, he will never behold death.”

2 Cor 3:18 – “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”

So who are those who behold and get it? – those whom the Father has drawn.  You don’t see Jesus unless you’ve been regenerated, made alive, born again.  And when you are awakened, when you truly behold, it feels like you choose.

Here, then, is an explanation for those who argue for ‘Free Will’.  When the light comes on and you truly see the beauty of Jesus and his offer of salvation, you cannot help but respond favorably.  It is the most natural step in the world.  But the set up, your ability to see anything, is all from God.  Jesus said that He was the Light.  He wasn’t kidding.

Because of the Father’s action, we can see Jesus. So if you have any affection for the Son of God, thank the Father for his life-giving plan, set into motion before the universe was created.  By His will, you were chosen.  If all else goes wrong in your life today and you feel alone in your pain, this thought should be enough to carry you through until you feel the warmth of his love and favor again.  There are only 2 groups of people:  those the Father predestined to be part of His Family forever, and those not.  If you are glad to be part of the first group, that is proof that you truly belong.

Savor the ultimate in Christmas gifts.