Subject: Is Limited Atonement Bibical? |
Bible Note: Hi Tim, Did dabney's article at least give you a clearer understanding regarding the reformed definition of Limited Atonement? I know it helped me to understand the difference between atonement (reconciliation) and expiation (sacrifice). The reformed believe that Christ's death was sufficent to provide salvation to all mankind, but actual atonement is limited to those individuals who by faith trust in Christ. I think that you would agree that, only those who believe (those who's sins are atoned for) are reconciled to God. I'm afraid that I am not convinced by your interpretation of John 17:9, that Christ is praying exclusively for His disciples. In vese 2 Jesus says "as you have given Him authority over all flesh, that He shall give eternal life to as many as you have given Him". In verse 20 Jesus says:"I do not pray for these alone but also for those who believe in me through their word". Therefore, given the whole context, Jesus is praying for all who the Father has given Him, believers and disciples alike. I would think that the tough questions for Arminians to answer would be: Why did Jesus exclude the world in His prayer? and, does the possibility exist that, depending on the context, John means different things at different times by the term world? God Bless Tim, Brother John |