Subject: Aren't the elect commanded to repent? |
Bible Note: Greetings John! I never said that universal atonement didn't make sense - you did my friend! ;-) 2 Cor. 5:18-21 uses the same word as Rom. 5:11. It makes it clear that 'atonement' or 'reconcilation' has two compents a) The objective work of Christ on the cross and b) The subjective acceptance of the work of the cross. So, am I to accept Owen's logical conclusions or the clear statements of Scripture? I'll take Scripture! 1) 1 John 2:2 - "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 2) 2 Cor. 5:19 - "that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men?s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 3) John 1:29 - "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ??Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" 4) John 3:16 - "??For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." 5) John 3:17 - "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." 6) John 4:42 - "They said to the woman, ??We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.?" 7) John 12:47 - "??As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it." 8) Rom. 11:15 - "For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?" 9) 1 John 4:14 - "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world." All of these verses support universal atonement, unless we start changing the very meaning of the words to suit a doctrine. Yet, one more verse which indicates the difference between universal atonement and universal salvation is Gal. 3:22: "But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe." Only those who believe receive the gift - and this through faith. So, Owen's point is not valid! You feel that it is, but I disagree. Now, you have kept after me with this question, so allow me to ask you one my friend. Under limited (extent) atonement, how does 2 Cor. 5:17-21 makes any sense? If Christ reconciled the elect (irresistibly), why are they then commanded to 'be reconciled'? Why does God implore them through Paul? It sounds to me like they have to make a choice! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |