Good defense of Limited Atonement
Was Anyone Saved at the Cross?
Excerpt:
we are not talking about presenting some terrible limitation on the work of Christ when we speak of “limited atonement.” In fact, we are actually presenting a far greater view of the work of Christ on Calvary when we say that Christ’s death actually accomplishes something in reality rather than only in theory. The atonement, we believe, was a real, actual, substitutionary one, not a possible, theoretical one that is dependent for its efficacy upon the actions of man. And, as one who often shares the gospel with people involved in false religious systems, I will say that the biblical doctrine of the atonement of Christ is a powerful truth that is the only message that has real impact in dealing with the many heretical teachings about Christ that are present in our world today. Jesus Christ died in behalf of those that the Father had, from eternity, decreed to save. There is absolute unity between the Father and the Son in saving God’s people. The Father decrees their salvation, the Son dies in their place, and the Spirit sanctifies them and conforms them to the image of Christ. This is the consistent testimony of Scripture.
Comment: The term "limited atonement" is not perhaps the best term to define what I would call particular redemption.
It is an ok term, it tells the truth rather than sugar coat it like many who embrace Limited Atonement end up doing.
ReplyDeleteWhat the real issue is rests on whether Penal Subsitution is true, and I believe it is not, opting for a more Biblically accurate atonement model, and thus the issue of Limited Atonement completely vanishes because it doesn't exist without Psub.
I was going to write out this long comment, but decided against it.
ReplyDeletePersonally, there are passages that teach other than LA. Also, it seems supporters tend to rely heavily upon ST to defend their position. And when given individual passages in their context, they have no answer. Even John Calvin in his commentaries from John 1:29 says, "And when he says, the sin Of The World, he extends this favor indiscriminately to the whole human race..."
and again in I Tim 2:4
"he demonstrates that God has at heart the salvation of all, because he invites all to the acknowledgment of his truth...the Apostle simply means, that there is no people and no rank in the world that is excluded from salvation; because God wishes that the gospel should be proclaimed to all without exception. Now the preaching of the gospel gives life; and hence he justly concludes that God invites all equally to partake salvation."
I suppose this just shows the difference between BT and ST.
"I believe it is not, opting for a more Biblically accurate atonement model, and thus the issue of Limited Atonement completely vanishes because it doesn't exist without Psub."
ReplyDeleteI disagree,Penal Substitution is quite literally the ONLY biblical model. Limited atonement cannot vanish, because the biblical text that supports it will never vanish. Yes, systems come and go, but the whole counsel of scripture, properly interpreted, will always stand.
"Even John Calvin in his commentaries from John 1:29 says, "And when he says, the sin Of The World, he extends this favor indiscriminately to the whole human race..."
There is a major difference between his revealed will and his will of decree. Scripture teaches there is a definite multiplicity of wills within God. Yes, he desires all...but Romans 9 clearly teaches that some are chosen and Some are not. His desire for all to be saved is radically different then his will of decree within election.
Again, if he paid for all the sin in actuality then in actuality all would be saved because God cannot condemn one who's sins are atoned for. It is clear from scripture that not all are saved nor will be. We cannot ignore the clear teaching of scripture regarding election because we read emotional presuppositions into the text regarding how God must operate if he is truly loving. We need to accept the whole council of scripture in its total context, not pick and choose.
Humbly and respectfully In Christ,
-E
Eric. If there are two wills, how are we to know which is which in scripture? Because John 1 seems fairly clear that Christ died for the sins of the whole world. What is it that proves which one this is?
ReplyDelete