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Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ
Of all John Bunyan's writings, this book most fully expresses his delight and joy in the free and gracious welcome given to sinners by Jesus Christ.
It is a thorough exposition of John 6:37: All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Bunyan not only explains the meaning of the terms used in the text, but also labours to remove the doubts and difficulties of sinners and backsliders in their approach to Christ.
This work could be said to have given rise indirectly to the modern missionary movement, since it strongly influenced Andrew Fuller, the first secretary of the pioneering Baptist Missionary Society, and helped him to set his denomination free from the grip of hyper-Calvinism. It is a Christian classic that deserves a wide modern readership.
It is a thorough exposition of John 6:37: All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Bunyan not only explains the meaning of the terms used in the text, but also labours to remove the doubts and difficulties of sinners and backsliders in their approach to Christ.
This work could be said to have given rise indirectly to the modern missionary movement, since it strongly influenced Andrew Fuller, the first secretary of the pioneering Baptist Missionary Society, and helped him to set his denomination free from the grip of hyper-Calvinism. It is a Christian classic that deserves a wide modern readership.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1678
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1180 people want to read
About the author
John Bunyan
1,595 books1,391 followersJohn Bunyan, a Christian writer and preacher, was born at Harrowden (one mile south-east of Bedford), in the Parish of Elstow, England. He wrote The Pilgrim's Progress, arguably the most famous published Christian allegory. In the Church of England he is remembered with a Lesser Festival on 30 August.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 6, 2015
The tremendous fame of The Pilgrim's Progress and Holy War place the lesser writings of John Bunyan (1628-1688) under a great shadow. If Bunyan had never taken up his pen to write either of them, Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ may very well have been his most precious and remembered work. Many a weary pilgrim has been taken from the Slough of Despond by its tender demonstration of the grace and love in Christ, and taken them from Doubting Castle into the Palace Beautiful by opening up and answering the deeper questions that reside in the fearful and trembling heart. Bunyan said of Luther's work on Galatians, "I do prefer this book before all the books that ever I had seen, as most fit for the conscience." This could also be said of Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ.
Bunyan's motivation was clear in writing this book; he desired to pastorally set forth the faithful interpretation of John 6:37 over against Arminianism, placing God's sovereign grace in election and salvation, in its right position. But more than this, Bunyan desired to open the grace and accessibility of Christ to the troubled heart, especially those riveted by the possibility that they are not elect. Bunyan knew the struggles in the heart against sin, doubt, and the great adversary, the Devil. He spoke with insight, because he knew these things from personal experience. Truly the minister speaks best, who knows the heart best; and knowing the heart of others is best discovered by personal experience. Come and Welcome is a gracious and precious book, opening heartfelt welcome a poor sinner receives at the mouth of Christ, when drawn by the Spirit in faith. Its weighty arguments, pastoral tone, plain, familiar, and faithful illustrations, awaken the questioning seeker, the repenting sinner, and the believing saint. It stands in contrast to the fashionable, fragile, and false ideas of grace in our modern day.
Originally, the book had no divisions, but was a continuous work of expostulations, arguments, questions, and answers. The Banner of Truth edition has helpfully divided the work into eight sections, not including a Publisher's Forward and a concluding Analysis.
I highly recommend this book.
Bunyan's motivation was clear in writing this book; he desired to pastorally set forth the faithful interpretation of John 6:37 over against Arminianism, placing God's sovereign grace in election and salvation, in its right position. But more than this, Bunyan desired to open the grace and accessibility of Christ to the troubled heart, especially those riveted by the possibility that they are not elect. Bunyan knew the struggles in the heart against sin, doubt, and the great adversary, the Devil. He spoke with insight, because he knew these things from personal experience. Truly the minister speaks best, who knows the heart best; and knowing the heart of others is best discovered by personal experience. Come and Welcome is a gracious and precious book, opening heartfelt welcome a poor sinner receives at the mouth of Christ, when drawn by the Spirit in faith. Its weighty arguments, pastoral tone, plain, familiar, and faithful illustrations, awaken the questioning seeker, the repenting sinner, and the believing saint. It stands in contrast to the fashionable, fragile, and false ideas of grace in our modern day.
Originally, the book had no divisions, but was a continuous work of expostulations, arguments, questions, and answers. The Banner of Truth edition has helpfully divided the work into eight sections, not including a Publisher's Forward and a concluding Analysis.
I highly recommend this book.
January 23, 2023
Overall an excellent read. I had a hard time following some of what he was saying. But it's a wonderful exposition - like an extended sermon - on John 6:37.
May 21, 2017
If anything is learned in the reading of this book, it's the beauty found in the promises of God, and the power of Him to make them come to pass. All those whom God has chosen to save will come to Christ, and none of those will He cast out.
August 6, 2025
This book is beautifully written (a lot of it is written in an older style so i had to take my time reading some of the words )
gives a ton of bible references , insights , thoughts and reflexions , all towards helping one understand the meaning of the title based on John 6:37 , i feel like is giving and explaining the idea of how God pre selected those who would come to Jesus Christ , therefore like the scripture says in John 6:37 Him in no way will cast out , it points out all the reason why the sinner even if doubtfull of Jesus ‘ embrace should not doubt his unconditional love , it reminded me at times of the book Gentle and Lowly . I hope my review makes sense .
thankyou .
gives a ton of bible references , insights , thoughts and reflexions , all towards helping one understand the meaning of the title based on John 6:37 , i feel like is giving and explaining the idea of how God pre selected those who would come to Jesus Christ , therefore like the scripture says in John 6:37 Him in no way will cast out , it points out all the reason why the sinner even if doubtfull of Jesus ‘ embrace should not doubt his unconditional love , it reminded me at times of the book Gentle and Lowly . I hope my review makes sense .
thankyou .
January 14, 2024
Prachtig boek over Johannes 6:37 ("Wie tot Mij komt zal ik geenszins uitwerpen"). Bunyan zet deze Bijbeltekst neer als een absolute belofte die door niks ontkracht kan worden. Hij behandelt allerlei mogelijke tegenwerpingen ('Zoek ik God wel met de juiste motieven', 'Heb ik Gods Woord niet al te vaak genegeerd' etc.) maar laat zien dat geen enkel bezwaar kan opwegen tegen de belofte in dit vers en Gods genade. Wel was het soms net iets minder goed te volgen door lange opsommingen van argumenten of Bijbelse voorbeelden.
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August 18, 2009Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ (Puritan Paperbacks) by John Bunyan (2004)
February 24, 2010
Good, not great, book. For its intent, an exposition of John 6:37, very helpful. Not a lot of gold nuggets like most Puritan works. But, you can't go wrong reading these guys.
August 21, 2017
Good at points but somewhat tedious.
January 11, 2022
As most, I had only ever read Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. A long and rich exposition of John 6:37. A great and hearty invitation for all to come to Jesus. Bunyan masterfully shows the sinner the Father's hand in leading him to the Son who will "in no wise cast out". What on the surface may sound too Calvinistic for some, is actually a beautiful and urgent invitation to all, trusting that the Father is leading sinners to himself. I particularly enjoyed his description of unbelief with in contrast with the Father's leading in his final chapter of application. Unbelief is so much the root of our troubles.
March 21, 2022
In typical Puritan fashion, Bunyan richly exposits one single verse of scripture (John 6:37), in over 200 pages, squeezing every last use and every last drop of truth from it. This particular work was immensely encouraging, considering with Bunyan the sweet promise "All that the Father gives me shall come to me, and him that comes to me I will in no way cast out." What awesome truths! A promise from our Lord and Savior of a guarantee of salvation for sinners who trust in Christ and are called and kept by Him. How often I need to hear this truth to help my own unbelief!
May 1, 2022
Excellent.
June 5, 2025
My 21st-century grammar wasn't a fan of Bunyan's syntax...too many commas and unclear direct and indirect objects. Also, 225 pages over a single verse of Scripture is...a lot of explication.
March 2, 2023
Wonderful book on Jn 6:37!
July 14, 2022
Amazing read! This verse John 6:37 may be my favorite after this incredible book/sermon.
April 17, 2015
It is to the great credit of the puritans that they felt such a passion for plumbing the depths of every word of scripture. Here Bunyan, whose own life saw periods of crushing doubt, spends 225 pages exploring the great comfort to be found in a single verse - John 6:37. I found this book a great encouragement, especially in its treatment of the phrase, "I will in no wise cast out." Here Bunyan counsels those of tender conscience who would come to Jesus but for their sense of unworthiness: "What is here omitted that might have been inserted to make the promise more full and free? No, take all the promises in the Bible ..., and they can but amount to the expression of this very promise, ... . I will for nothing, by no means, upon no account, however they have sinned, however they have backslidden, however they have provoked, cast out the coming sinner." Thanks be to God for this promise.
January 19, 2009
This book was written by John Bunyan, writer of "Pilgrim's Progress". Bunyan bases all of these wonderful sermons and lectures on John 3: 37 "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."
Have you sinned? Have you doubt? Have you been a backslider and continued in sin you despise? Bunyan addresses these and many more aspects of removing doubts that we have and approaches to difficulties of sinning and backsliding in the approach to Christ.
I was encouraged, taught, and strengthened from reading this book. It is most worthwhile.
Have you sinned? Have you doubt? Have you been a backslider and continued in sin you despise? Bunyan addresses these and many more aspects of removing doubts that we have and approaches to difficulties of sinning and backsliding in the approach to Christ.
I was encouraged, taught, and strengthened from reading this book. It is most worthwhile.
January 3, 2014
Bunyan's book is a thorough exposition of one verse, John 6:37, that unveils the absolute promise of God to forever save all whom are His through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Bunyan is a gifted writer, and one imagines his ability to communicate this text via sermon would be equally passionate. Come and Welcome, while perhaps not the grandest of Puritan works, remains a decidedly helpful tool in understanding God's election, salvation, and assurance.
January 11, 2019
Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ is Bunyan's excellent meditation on John 6:37 - "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out". It is a good representation of the Puritan understanding of the Christian life, which is to trust in the promises of God. Bunyan shows remarkable insight into the human heart, the common fears and doubts which oppress those coming and indeed those who have already come to Jesus Christ.
September 9, 2012
Another classic Bunyan work; concise, clear, and pragmatic. I love how Bunyan takes such a simple question(Coming to Christ) and draws such rich applications and conclusions to the subject. Really enjoyed it.
June 22, 2010
This is my favorite of all the John Bunyan books I have read so far. Every Christian should read this.
November 1, 2015
This book was helpful in saving some important tenets of the Christian faith that I’d let slip in recent months. Classic writing from a Reformed perspective.
April 30, 2021
Thorough and Biblical
Bunyan’s knowledge of not only the Scriptures but also the Lord of the Scriptures is evident. He wrote kindly and pointedly.
Bunyan’s knowledge of not only the Scriptures but also the Lord of the Scriptures is evident. He wrote kindly and pointedly.
July 11, 2024
Please read/hear this book, because it's free on SermonAudio and PDF.
It was rich and beautiful in its pastoral theology. As someone who "is coming," I'm still a little unclear on personal application, but Bunyan and his editor left me much to think about.
The most personally stubborn obstacles to “coming” I was able to extract from Bunyan's treatise, I will explain in this order: double-mindedness, worldliness/idolatry, carnality, merriment, and business.
Bunyan recognizes one case of wrongly coming is double-mindedness, like having one foot on the earth and the other foot toward Christ: "There is a coming, but not to the Most High; there is a coming, but not with the whole heart, but as it were feignedly; therefore take the caution kindly (Jer 3:10; Hosea 7:16).”
Bunyan focuses on the root of repentance, not a slavish fear of judgment, nor a self-indulgent expectation of impunity. No, you must see something “in him to allure thee to forsake all the world, to come to him” and Bunyan provides many excellent descriptions of the Savior, most interestingly that Jesus will fight for you and provide for you during this life.
Idolatry, it seems, includes seeking satisfaction and pleasure in the “cisterns which hold no water.” It should be easy to leave behind our sports, fancy clothes, entertainment, toys, fancy foods, beach vacations, gym and pool memberships, fine arts, and hobbies, because Jesus has “fullness of all-sufficiency of that, even of all that which is needful to make us happy." And “all things that are worth looking after are in him!” Bunyan exclaims. More clues:
Carnality: "The man, therefore, that comes aright, casts all things behind his back, and looketh at, nor hath his expectations from ought, but the Son of God alone…”
“...There be many things on this side heaven that can and do carry away the heart; and so will do”
“...forsaking of his sins and pleasures”
“...forsaken their wicked ways”
“...come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing,”
“...leave all the world for his sake”
…weaned from “sinful delights, and fleshly lusts”
“...darling sins”
Merriment insisted upon by associates: Those who “are coming” are liable to be extremely distressed, and they ought to be, considering they know the destruction that awaits if they don't make it. But others see this and wrongly attribute it to “melancholy,” and “biddest them be merry and lightsome; but dost thou not know that “the heart of fools is in the house of mirth?” (Eccl 7:4). … Thou biddest them busy themselves in the things of this world; but dost thou not know that the Lord bids, “Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness?” (Matt 6:33). …What! teach men to put God and his Word out of their minds, by running to merry company… What! bid man walk “according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Eph 2:2)."
Bunyan even challenges those who believe they have already come, expecting major departure from the old lifestyle, driven by attraction to the character and promises of Jesus: "First, Art thou indeed come to Jesus Christ? What hast thou left behind thee? What didst thou come away from, in thy coming to Jesus Christ? When Lot came out of Sodom, he left the Sodomites behind him (Gen 19). When Abraham came out of Chaldea, he left his country and kindred behind him (Gen 12; Acts 7). When Ruth came to put her trust under the wings of the Lord God of Israel, she left her father and mother, her gods, and the land of her nativity, behind her (Ruth 1:15-17; 2:11,12). When Peter came to Christ, he left his nets behind him (Matt 4:20). When Zaccheus came to Christ, he left the receipt of custom behind him (Luke 19). When Paul came to Christ, he left his own righteousness behind him (Phil 3:7,8).”
It was rich and beautiful in its pastoral theology. As someone who "is coming," I'm still a little unclear on personal application, but Bunyan and his editor left me much to think about.
The most personally stubborn obstacles to “coming” I was able to extract from Bunyan's treatise, I will explain in this order: double-mindedness, worldliness/idolatry, carnality, merriment, and business.
Bunyan recognizes one case of wrongly coming is double-mindedness, like having one foot on the earth and the other foot toward Christ: "There is a coming, but not to the Most High; there is a coming, but not with the whole heart, but as it were feignedly; therefore take the caution kindly (Jer 3:10; Hosea 7:16).”
Bunyan focuses on the root of repentance, not a slavish fear of judgment, nor a self-indulgent expectation of impunity. No, you must see something “in him to allure thee to forsake all the world, to come to him” and Bunyan provides many excellent descriptions of the Savior, most interestingly that Jesus will fight for you and provide for you during this life.
Idolatry, it seems, includes seeking satisfaction and pleasure in the “cisterns which hold no water.” It should be easy to leave behind our sports, fancy clothes, entertainment, toys, fancy foods, beach vacations, gym and pool memberships, fine arts, and hobbies, because Jesus has “fullness of all-sufficiency of that, even of all that which is needful to make us happy." And “all things that are worth looking after are in him!” Bunyan exclaims. More clues:
Carnality: "The man, therefore, that comes aright, casts all things behind his back, and looketh at, nor hath his expectations from ought, but the Son of God alone…”
“...There be many things on this side heaven that can and do carry away the heart; and so will do”
“...forsaking of his sins and pleasures”
“...forsaken their wicked ways”
“...come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing,”
“...leave all the world for his sake”
…weaned from “sinful delights, and fleshly lusts”
“...darling sins”
Merriment insisted upon by associates: Those who “are coming” are liable to be extremely distressed, and they ought to be, considering they know the destruction that awaits if they don't make it. But others see this and wrongly attribute it to “melancholy,” and “biddest them be merry and lightsome; but dost thou not know that “the heart of fools is in the house of mirth?” (Eccl 7:4). … Thou biddest them busy themselves in the things of this world; but dost thou not know that the Lord bids, “Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness?” (Matt 6:33). …What! teach men to put God and his Word out of their minds, by running to merry company… What! bid man walk “according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Eph 2:2)."
Bunyan even challenges those who believe they have already come, expecting major departure from the old lifestyle, driven by attraction to the character and promises of Jesus: "First, Art thou indeed come to Jesus Christ? What hast thou left behind thee? What didst thou come away from, in thy coming to Jesus Christ? When Lot came out of Sodom, he left the Sodomites behind him (Gen 19). When Abraham came out of Chaldea, he left his country and kindred behind him (Gen 12; Acts 7). When Ruth came to put her trust under the wings of the Lord God of Israel, she left her father and mother, her gods, and the land of her nativity, behind her (Ruth 1:15-17; 2:11,12). When Peter came to Christ, he left his nets behind him (Matt 4:20). When Zaccheus came to Christ, he left the receipt of custom behind him (Luke 19). When Paul came to Christ, he left his own righteousness behind him (Phil 3:7,8).”
October 16, 2023
|| 4 ⭐️ ||
This is beautiful!! Why can’t all sermons be like this in terms of thorough, thoughtful exposition? There’s nothing more relevant, challenging and encouraging than studying the Bible just as it is.
John Bunyan does this so well. In 200+ pages, he squeezes every last drop out of one single verse: John 6:37. Of course, it’s written in old English, which is at times difficult to understand. However, I found this to be more of a positive than a negative thing as I read on… it forced me to read and re-read sentences and make sure I understood and took to heart what it was saying. I also found that once I got into the right headspace, the headspace of that era I guess, it became easier to follow the flow of the words.
I don’t remember how this book came to be in my TBR list, given how apparently obscure it is compared to Bunyan’s other works, say, Pilgrim’s Progress. But I’m glad I took the time to read it, old English and all. My spirit is refreshed.
This is beautiful!! Why can’t all sermons be like this in terms of thorough, thoughtful exposition? There’s nothing more relevant, challenging and encouraging than studying the Bible just as it is.
John Bunyan does this so well. In 200+ pages, he squeezes every last drop out of one single verse: John 6:37. Of course, it’s written in old English, which is at times difficult to understand. However, I found this to be more of a positive than a negative thing as I read on… it forced me to read and re-read sentences and make sure I understood and took to heart what it was saying. I also found that once I got into the right headspace, the headspace of that era I guess, it became easier to follow the flow of the words.
I don’t remember how this book came to be in my TBR list, given how apparently obscure it is compared to Bunyan’s other works, say, Pilgrim’s Progress. But I’m glad I took the time to read it, old English and all. My spirit is refreshed.
December 11, 2021
This book is so rich in its practical theology that it’s impossible to read without constantly stopping to pray and thank God for His goodness and mercy. I first heard of this work in Dane Ortlund’s Gentle and Lowly and I’m very glad I picked it up! Bunyan wrings out every bit of truth from John 6:37, “All that the Father giveth to me shall come to me, and him that cometh to me I shall in no wise cast out” and richly explains and meditates on the doctrines of election and assurance. These two walk hand in hand and give the believer comfort in all that Christ has accomplished through His death on the cross.
I highly recommend this book for all and hope that you too may find great riches in this book as it brings you to meditate on the great mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I highly recommend this book for all and hope that you too may find great riches in this book as it brings you to meditate on the great mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
January 1, 2022
OK, so I was pretty excited to be taking on a John Bunyan book that was focused on one verse (John 6:37), as I had read about Puritan writers giving this kind of detailed exegesis to a particular Scripture portion. Well, maybe the alternate title of the book should have been more of a warning for me of its density & weight: "Or, A Plain and Profitable Discourse on John 6:37. Showing the cause, truth, and manner of the coming of a sinner to Jesus Christ; with his happy reception and blessed entertainment." Yeah, pretty weighty & heavy.
It had some very good & insightful tidbits in & through it, but I think it could have all been summarized in about 1/3rd of the literary output. Such a great verse and theme, though, to focus on for so many months and months (by me, the reader, slogging through it).
It had some very good & insightful tidbits in & through it, but I think it could have all been summarized in about 1/3rd of the literary output. Such a great verse and theme, though, to focus on for so many months and months (by me, the reader, slogging through it).
April 21, 2025
Again Bunyan never disappoints. A plain study on the love of God towards those whom He saves. A must read for those who from time-to-time struggle to see if God is pleased with them. A must read for those who struggle with hyper-Calvinism. A must read for those who love/desire to evangelise to the lost and plan to go on mission journeys.
One of the most beautiful books I have ever read. I am surprised this is not mentioned more among reformed circles. A true encouragement and typical of Bunyan, very plain to understand. Of course extremely biblical.
"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 KJV) Amen.
One of the most beautiful books I have ever read. I am surprised this is not mentioned more among reformed circles. A true encouragement and typical of Bunyan, very plain to understand. Of course extremely biblical.
"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 KJV) Amen.
July 7, 2020
Coming Sinner, Rejoice
Bunyan, in many an eloquent word, exposits what it means to come to Jesus Christ. This is a wonderful book. It is very repetitive which frustrated me at first, but I found joy in reading those sayings of our savior over and over “Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.” Bunyan makes it abundantly clear that we can do no better than to come to Jesus Christ, so, coming sinner, come and welcome to Jesus Christ
Bunyan, in many an eloquent word, exposits what it means to come to Jesus Christ. This is a wonderful book. It is very repetitive which frustrated me at first, but I found joy in reading those sayings of our savior over and over “Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.” Bunyan makes it abundantly clear that we can do no better than to come to Jesus Christ, so, coming sinner, come and welcome to Jesus Christ
August 8, 2025
Like a long drink of cold water on a hot day, Bunyan's work here is refreshing and invigorating. Too many Christians struggle with the question, "Does God really LOVE me?" or "Does God really love ME?" But Bunyan sets us in the cool stream of text after text helping us see God's heart for us. Can it get repetitive? Yes. Does it need to be repetitive? Yes, because we often don't believe it on first hearing.
May 15, 2023
I didn’t actually finish this book. I couldn’t make it through the old language. Maybe it was because I read it when I didn’t have the focus needed for it. The lack of chapters in the book also made it hard to get through. The cover said it was written in modern English, but I would say this was not the case. I think I will stick with Dane Ortland’s reworking of this material in Deeper.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews