Subject: Aren't the elect commanded to repent? |
Bible Note: Greetings John! I'm not sure I can make this any clearer my friend. John Owen's point is only valid if universal atonement and universal salvation are the same thing!!! They are not, so his point isn't valid. All sin was paid for at the cross - past, present, and future. However, one does not receive the benefit of the Cross until one receives the gift of salvation upon repentance. This is exactly what Rom. 5:17 says, "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God?s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ." So, even their unbelief was paid for at the cross. However, universal atonement is not the same as universal salvation!!! The benefits of the atonement are applied after reception of the gift of salvation, not before. Acts 2:38 - "Peter replied, ??Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." John 1:12 - "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God?" Acts 26:17 - "I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.?" 1 Tim. 1:16 - "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life." John Owen's point is only valid if universal atonement and universal salvation are the same thing!!! They are not, so his point isn't valid. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |