Subject: Is Limited Atonement Bibical? |
Bible Note: Greetings John! I tried to access your link, from the previous post, but was unable to get to it. Do you have a definition? If so, by all means share it with us. In fairness though, the choices don't seem that difficult concerning the extent of the atonement. Either Jesus atoned for all the sins of everyone or He only atoned for all the sins of some, or He did not atone for the sins of any. I have never seen a verse which says that He only atoned for all the sins of some! John Murray, Pofessor of Systematic Theology at Westminister Theological Seminary defines Limited Atonement in this way: "Whether the expression 'limited atonement' is good or not, we must reckon with the fact that unless we believe in the final restoration of all men we cannot have an unlimited atonement. If we universalise the extent we limit the efficacy. If some of those for whom atonement was made and redemption wrought perish eternally, then the atonement is not itself efficacious. It is this alternative that the proponents of universal atonement must face. The have a 'limited' atonement, and limited in respect of that which impinges upon its essential character. We shall have none of it. The doctrine of 'limited atonement' which we maintain is the doctrine whch limits the atonement to those who are heirs of eternal life, to the elect. That limitation insures its efficacy and conserves its essential character as efficient and effective redemption." (John Murray, Redemption - Accomplished and Applied, p. 74). The problems with this definition are as follows: 1) It assumes unconditional election to salvation and reprobation. 2) It assumes that atonement can only be either unlimited in extent, but limited in efficacy, or limited in extent, but unlimited in efficacy. There is a third option - an atonement which is sufficent for all men, but efficient only for the elect. (Robert Shank, Elect in the Son, p. 71). 3) It ignores the fact that not a single Scripture limits the atonement only to the elect. This is a reformed definition. There are others I am sure. Personally, I reject any definition of the atonement which denies that Christ died for the sins of the whole world (1 Jn. 2:2). Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |