"Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God."
Calvinists often cite John 8:43 in an effort to support their doctrine of original sin and arbitrary election. They insist that some do not receive the truth because it was not ordained that they should, and that all who fall into this category are beyond the reach of the gospel because it is not possible for them to receive it because of divine decree. This doctrine is entirely false for the following reasons: (1) The gospel is to be taken to "every creature" (Mark 16:15,16; cf. Matt. 28:19,20), (2) The invitation to obey the gospel is universal (cf. Matt. 11:28-30; Rev. 22:17), (3) It is God's will that all be saved (cf. I Tim. 2:4), and (4) Why would Jesus spend many hours in discussion with these men in an effort to get them to receive the truth if it were not possible for them to do so?
"You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." Jesus finally identifies, in John 8:44, who their true spiritual father was. They hated the truth and wanted to commit murder; these are both desires of Satan. Thus, they are children of the devil! He was a murderer from the beginning of time in that he worked to bring death upon the human race by his lies and deceit (cf. Gen. 3).
It should be observed that this is continuous dialogue from John 8:31, and that Jesus is still speaking to "those Jews who believed Him." Clearly then, it is possible to believe and still be a son of Satan (cf. 12:42; James 2:19)!
As children of Satan they loved lies and were thus used to smooth words and flattering speech. They did not enjoy or believe the truth from God for it convicted them of sin.
"Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?" - Jesus issues a challenge in John 8:46. If no one could convict Him of sin, then His words must be true. And if His words were true, then they should believe Him! They had no rational grounds for disbelief.
"He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God." They refused to hear (i.e., receive) God's words from Jesus, a man whom they can find no fault in. The only logical explanation is that they hate the truth and love lies! Thus, they are not of God but of the devil