Subject: Is Limited Atonement a "scandalous" Doc |
Bible Note: Greetings John! Excellent post my friend! The only part I would disagree with is the assumption that unlimited atonement means universal salvation. Those who believe in an unlimited atonement do not believe that everyone will be saved, but only those who receive the gift of reconcilition. Consider the following two passages: 1) 2 Cor. 5:11-20: In this passage, Paul makes several very important observations about reconciliation (atonement). a) In v. 14, he says that Christ died for all. b) In v. 19, he says that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ. c) In v.19, he also says that this reconcilation of the world meant that their sins were no longer counted against them. d) In v. 20, Paul says that God is making His appeal through the ministry of reconcilation. e) In v. 20, Paul gives the content of the message, "Be reconciled". From this, it is clear to me that reconciliation (atonement) is an objective act done for the sins of every man, woman, and child who ever has or ever will live. All find forgiveness in the cross. However, it is also clear that this reconcilation must be received. If reconciliation is complete without our acceptance, how come the appeal by God? How come the command to be reconciled? If the doctrine of limited atonement were true, there would be no need for such an appeal. Those who are elect are atoned for, end of story. There are other passages that tie our acceptance of Christ's act to our reception of it. Consider the following passage: 2) Rom. 5:17: "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." The whole passage is excellent for this topic, but for now, lets just focus on this verse. The whole passage contrasts and compares the sin of Adam with the death of Christ. Just as Adam's sin brought death on all men, so also Christ's death brings the possibility of life for all men. However, it must be received. Look at v. 17. The ones who reign in life as a result of Christ's death are those, and only those, who receive the gift of righteousness. Therefore, reconcilation is not the same as salvation. As someone else pointed out earlier (Zach† I believe), Salvation includes many things (Justification, sanctification, and glorification to name a few). The atonement make salvation possible. But, it has to be received through faith and repentance. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |