In this twelfth installment expounding the book of John, John Ritenbaugh insists that because what we believe automatically determines what we do (colors every aspect of our lives), it is impossible to separate faith and works. If our source of belief is not grounded in Jesus Christ, we will be held captive to our traditions and our works will be contaminated. If our belief is grounded in Christ (our Spiritual Bread and our High Priest), we will have a relationship with God and access to eternal abundant life, leading to works (fruits of the Holy Spirit) that glorify God. The word "draw" in John 6:44 implies that there is some degree of carnal resistance or reluctance to accept God's calling. If we do not metaphorically eat the flesh of Christ and drink His blood, ingesting the Word of God daily, we will die spiritually. The moral and ethical demands of these Words often make them "hard sayings," but yielding to these demands (having an intimate relationship of God- living the way God lives in every aspect of our lives) will incrementally develop the character and the spiritual mind, bringing about eternal abundant life.

Abundant life Belief as work Bread of life Draw Eternal life Faith and works Gratification of senses Holy spirit Life Metaphors of sacrifice Relationship with God Reluctance to change Sacrifices Spiritual bread Words of life