Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 6:65

"And he said, For this cause have I said unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it be given unto him of the Father." — John 6:65 (ASV)

Jesus strongly implied that faith is the result of God’s enabling. Unbelief is natural to those who are selfish and alienated from God and who cannot accept the idea that he can do the impossible. The Holy Spirit must awaken a selfish heart and empower it to believe. This does not destroy the voluntary character of faith; it is rather in accord with the cry of the man who said to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).