Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” John 12:32. What is the meaning of the phrase “will draw all men unto Me”?
“If I be lifted up from the earth” refers to the death of Christ upon the cross. By this act of self-sacrifice, not only was the redemption of man, the forgiveness of his sins made possible, but the love of God was manifested to the universe in a fuller and more complete way than it had ever been revealed before. (It will take all eternity to understand the love of God.) By Christ’s sacrifice, the accusations of Satan against the government of God and the character of God are refuted and Satan is cast out not only physically, but all sympathy for him from angels or men will finally be cast out by means of this sacrifice. Angels, as well as men, are drawn to the Redeemer.
It was prophesied in the Old Testament that unto the Messiah the people would be gathered (Genesis 49:2). This prophecy in Genesis applies with special force to the elect—to God’s true and faithful children. Jesus said, “Every one who is of the truth hears my voice.” John 18:37. But this prophecy will have a universal fulfillment at the end of the millennium. The cross will be presented. (See The Great Controversy, 666, 667). “With all the facts of the great controversy in view, the whole universe, both loyal and rebellious, with one accord declare: ‘Just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints’ [Revelation 15:3].
“Before the universe has been clearly presented the great sacrifice made by the Father and the Son in man’s behalf.” The Great Controversy (1888), 671.