Subject: Thoughts on Romans 9 |
Bible Note: Right. (Since I consider myself a "4-pointer", I switched the "L" in TULIP to "U" for "Unlimited atonement".) I got (or paraphrased) my definitions from James White's "The Potter's Freedom". (A response to Geisler's "Chosen But Free" - these would be the two books I mentioned I read since Christmas.) I also see Biblical support for White's "6th point" - God is Free (but that wasn't the question, this time around). Back to the issue at hand, "L" Limited atonement - quoting from PF p. 40, "The intention of Christ in His cross-work was to save His people specifically. Therefore Christ's sacrifice is perfect and complete, for it actually accomplishes perfect redemption." To be honest, it sounds great, except I see too many verses which I can't harmonize with this view. Universal Propitation - I mentioned 1 John 2:2 "He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world." Universal Love - John 3:16 Universal Redemption - 2 Peter 2:1 speaks of false prophets "denying the Master who bought them". The above verses are my own thoughts, before consulting other sources. Charles Ryrie rightly asks, "Did Christ purpose...to make provision for the salvation of all people?" (Basic Theology, 318) I say He did. 1 Timothy 2:4, "(God our Savior,) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.", v. 6, "ransom for all" Note: 2 Peter 3:9 doesn't fit this mold, because the "you" Peter is speaking to is the church. (cf. 1:1, 3:1, and 3:8) (i.e., Christ will return when His body/bride is complete - when the church is saved.) 1 Tim 4:10 "..living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers." Yes, He saves believers, but He is the Savior of all men. "All men" is not limited to the elect in this case because it is in contrast to believers. Hebrews 2:9, "...by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone." It is only after this verse that the author narrows the scope to "many sons". Acts 17:30-31, "...declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in rightousness..." the call goes out to everyone. These are just a few verses. Are they enough? For now, they are for me, but I'll have to do a little digging to find more. In Him, Ben |