Limited Atonement—Is it Biblical?
The doctrine of limited atonement, also known as particular redemption or definite atonement, is one of the five points of Calvinism. It asserts that Jesus’ atoning death on the cross was intended to redeem and secure salvation only for the elect, those whom God has chosen to be saved, rather than for all humanity. This doctrine has been a point of controversy and debate throughout church history. What does the Bible have to say about this doctrine? Let’s explore the biblical evidence surrounding this topic.
Definitions and Key Terms
To properly understand the doctrine of limited atonement, we first need to define some key terms. Atonement refers to Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross which paid the penalty for sin, allowing forgiveness and restoring relationship between God and humanity (Romans 5:11). Universal atonement is the belief that Christ died for the sins of all people universally. His death paid the penalty for the sins of all humanity. Particular redemption, in contrast, claims that Christ died for and atoned only for the sins of the elect, those God chose to be saved. Definite atonement is similar in asserting that Christ’s atonement secured salvation definitely and only for the elect.
Another important term is God’s sovereignty. This refers to God being supremely in charge and control over all things. He ordains and works all things according to his perfect will and purpose (Psalm 115:3, Isaiah 46:10, Ephesians 1:11). Closely related is the concept of election – that God, by his sovereign choice, elected certain people to be saved (John 15:16, Romans 9:11-13). With these definitions in mind, let’s survey the biblical support for and against limited atonement.
The Case for Limited Atonement
There are several biblical passages and theological arguments put forth in defense of particular redemption.
1. Christ’s death actually accomplished salvation. It not only made salvation possible but actually secured and guaranteed it (Hebrews 9:12). Christ’s atonement was not potential but definite in securing the salvation of those for whom he died.
2. Christ died for his sheep, his people that the Father had given him, not the whole world (John 10:11, 15, 26-29, John 17:2,9). The Bible portrays Christ’s death as being for specific people (his sheep) rather than for all humanity.
3. Christ died for the church, not everyone head for head (Ephesians 5:25-27). His atoning death is portrayed as securing the redemption of his bride, the church, not each individual universally.
4. God has chosen and elected certain people to be saved (Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:4-5). It follows that Christ would die to atone only for the sins of God’s elect.
5. Christ’s death fully accomplished and secured salvation for all those for whom he died (Matthew 1:21, John 10:14-15, 28, Acts 20:28, Romans 8:32, Galatians 3:13). Christ’s death does not just make salvation possible for all people but actually secures salvation for those particular people he died for.
6. Universal atonement necessitates universal salvation. If Christ died for the sins of all people in the same way, then it would result in all people being saved. The Bible clearly teaches that not all will be saved (Matthew 7:13-14).
These verses and arguments have led some Christians to conclude that Scripture teaches Christ died to redeem and secure salvation for the elect alone, not all humanity. Next we’ll survey evidence for the opposing view – universal atonement.
The Case for Universal Atonement
The doctrine of universal atonement claims that Christ died for the sins of all people without exception. His atoning death paid the penalty of sin for all humanity. Let’s look at biblical evidence put forth to support this position.
1. God desires all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9). God’s universal saving will points to Christ’s death being intended for all humanity.
2. Christ died for the sins of the whole world (John 1:29, 3:16-17, 1 John 2:2). Several verses portray the extent of Christ’s atoning death as being for “the world.”
3. Christ died for “all” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Other verses depict Christ dying sacrificially for “all” people without limitation.
4. Many Old Testament passages speak of God’s universal love and intent to save all nations (Psalm 67:2-3, Isaiah 45:22, Jeremiah 31:34, Ezekiel 18:23, 32). God expresses his redemptive love toward all people, which Christ’s death accomplished.
5. Different responses to the gospel are commanded (Acts 17:30, Romans 10:14-17). These invitations to “all men everywhere” imply a universal provision in Christ’s atonement.
6. Universal grace and opportunity implies universal atonement (Titus 2:11, Romans 5:15, 18, 1 Timothy 4:10). God’s grace appearing to all points to Christ’s death being for the benefit of all.
7. Universal condemnation assumes universal atonement (Romans 5:18, 2 Peter 2:1). All are condemned in Adam’s sin which implies all are atoned for in Christ.
8. A ransom for all (1 Timothy 2:6). This specific verse says Christ gave himself as a ransom “for all.”
These verses and arguments have led many Christians to conclude that the breadth of Christ’s atoning death extended equally to all humanity. This brief survey shows why there are biblical cases made for both positions in this ongoing debate.
Weighing the Evidence
When looking at the biblical evidence surrounding this doctrine, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. There are verses and passages that can be interpreted to support both positions. Sincere Christians who uphold the authority of Scripture differ in their conclusions on this issue.
2. There is mystery and tension between human responsibility (calls to repentance, invitations to believe) and God’s sovereignty in salvation that our finite minds struggle to fully reconcile.
3. As with many theological debates, definitions and assumptions impact how one approaches and interprets the biblical data.
4. One’s position on the debate between Calvinism and Arminianism will significantly impact how a person understands the extent of Christ’s atonement. These doctrinal systems filter how one reads Scripture related to salvation.
5. All Christians on both sides of this debate affirm that salvation is entirely by God’s grace rather than human merit. The question is who precisely was the recipient of that amazing grace – the elect alone or all humanity equally?
6. There is a case to be made that Scripture contains strands of evidence for both particular and universal atonement. Some scholars argue that in God’s wisdom he predestined the cross to accomplish both. Regardless of the position one lands on, the atonement is a glorious, gracious act that no one deserved.
With theological debates like this, humility, grace and intellectual honesty are crucial as we wrestle to understand Scripture. Sincere followers of Christ may interpret the evidence differently. But in the end, God knows the precise nature and extent of Christ’s atoning work on the cross. Our responsibility is to be faithful to Scripture, gracious toward others, and worship Christ for his amazing, sacrificial love demonstrated at Calvary for sinners like us.
Exploring Additional Doctrinal Implications
Beyond the biblical evidence, the doctrine of limited atonement has implications that intersect with a variety of other theological doctrines and issues. Surveying some of these connections can help shed further light on this multifaceted debate.
Unconditional Election
As mentioned earlier, those who hold to definite atonement also adhere to the doctrine of unconditional election – that God chose certain people to be saved based on his sovereign choice alone, not anything good foreseen in them. Limited atonement is seen by many as a necessary outworking of unconditional election. If God sovereignly elected certain specific people to be saved, then it follows Christ would die specifically for those elect alone. The choice of the elect requires the extent of Christ’s atonement be particular, not universal.
Perseverance of the Saints
This doctrine, also called “eternal security,” claims that those God has saved will persevere by his grace and never lose salvation. Definite atonement is said to guarantee the doctrine of perseverance since Christ’s atoning death secured the actual salvation of people, not just the potential offer. If Christ died specifically to save a particular people, then it necessarily means those people will be preserved by God’s grace and persevere by his power. Particular atonement grounds the certainty of perseverance.
Nature of the Atonement
Did Christ’s death on the cross merely make salvation possible or did it actually secure and accomplish salvation? That is the question at the heart of the extent of the atonement. Those who hold to definite atonement claim that Christ’s death actually atoned for and secured the salvation of all and only those who will be saved. His death did not just provide the possibility of salvation if people believe, but rather purchased and guaranteed the salvation of the elect. Therefore, the nature of Christ’s atoning work necessitates that its extent is particular, not universal.
Sovereignty of God
God’s supreme authority and sovereign rule over all things is foundational in Calvinism’s understanding of salvation. Definite atonement is argued to be necessary to uphold God’s total sovereignty. A universal atonement influenced by human free choice is said to diminish God’s sovereignty and control. Particular redemption underscores God’s control by having the intents and extent of the atonement limited only to the elect God predestined.
Human Responsibility
On the other side, universal atonement defenders emphasize the need to uphold the Bible’s call for people to respond in repentance and faith. They claim that definite atonement limits the free offer of the gospel since Christ did not die for those non-elect. Particular redemption is said to diminish human responsibility before God. Therefore, God’s universal love extending the offer of salvation to all necessitates an atonement available equally for everyone, not limited only to the elect.
As we can see, one’s position on the intent and extent of Christ’s atoning death intersects with many other theological beliefs. This impacts how Christians understand key doctrines like the nature of election, human free will, and the sovereignty of God. Sincere followers of Jesus who share the same high view of Scripture differ in how they understand and apply biblical truth on these issues.
Positives and Dangers of Both Views
Rather than just outline the biblical arguments, it can also be helpful to explore both the merits and potential pitfalls of limited and universal atonement. This can aid our understanding of the debate.
Strengths of Definite Atonement
1. Highlights God’s sovereignty and purpose in salvation.
2. Establishes certainty in the application of Christ’s atoning work for the elect.
3. Upholds God’s justice by limiting punishment for sins to either Christ or the sinner. Sins are not punished twice.
4. Reinforces confidence and security for believers since Christ died specifically to save them.
Dangers of Definite Atonement
1. Potentially diminishes the free offer of the gospel by limiting the scope of God’s love and Christ’s atoning work.
2. Could minimize human responsibility to respond to the gospel offer since the non-elect are excluded from Christ’s death.
3. Risks portraying God’s character as not benevolent toward all if Christ did not die for all.
4. Some critics argue it logically necessitates identifying the elect to validate the efficacy of evangelism and missions.
Strengths of Universal Atonement
1. Affirms God’s universal love and salvific will for all people.
2. Establishes the basis for a genuine offer of salvation to all people.
3. Reinforces the responsibility of all people everywhere to repent and believe.
4. Avoids suggesting certain people were created for eternal judgement with no chance of salvation.
Dangers of Universal Atonement
1. Diminishes perceptions of God’s sovereignty since atonement is based on human response.
2. May imply that Christ’s death only makes salvation possible, not definitively accomplished.
3. Opens the door to the belief that saving grace is synergistic between God and humans.
4. Some argue it necessitates universal salvation which Scripture rejects.
These positives and dangers show why godly Christians reading the same Bible come to different conclusions on this doctrine. It also helps explain why both sides accuse the other of diminishing aspects of God’s truth revealed in Scripture. Highlighting both strengths and weaknesses can aid charitable understanding of all positions.
Moving Forward Faithfully
How should followers of Christ approach this debate as they seek to embrace biblical truth? Here are some suggestions:
1. Study Scripture thoroughly and recognize that godly believers interpret some portions differently.
2. Approach those of different views with grace, charity, and intellectual humility.
3. Allow God’s sovereignty and human responsibility to remain side by side as mysterious paradoxes in Scripture.
4. Avoid thinking the atonement presents a strict either/or dichotomy – recognize God may have intended it to accomplish both particular and universal purposes. Be open to both/and approaches.
5. Focus primarily on what both positions agree on – salvation is completely by God’s grace, not human merit, and accomplished fully by Christ’s sacrifice.
6. Put greater emphasis on living out the gospel and sharing it with others rather than just debating theology.
7. Celebrate the mercy and amazing grace that anyone is saved at all, regardless of the precise extent of the atonement.
8. Remember that those who trust in Christ’s death for salvation are brothers and sisters in God’s family, despite disagreements on secondary issues.
9. Look forward to eternity when all theological mystery will fade away in the glorious light of God’s presence as we together worship the redeeming Lamb.
Summary Thoughts
The extent of Christ’s atoning death is a complex biblical question with godly Christians holding different perspectives. Much grace, wisdom and humility is required as we study Scripture on this issue. But regardless of one’s position, all can stand in awe at Calvary, amazed that Christ would suffer and die in the place of sinners – a sacrifice of love that rescues the undeserving. Both universal and limited atonement affirm this glorious gospel truth. As we wrestle to understand all that God accomplished through Christ’s death, may we do so with grace, charity, patience and humility while standing hand in hand at the cross, praising Jesus for his sin-cleansing blood poured out to redeem people from every tribe and tongue. One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, in worship of the Lamb who was slain to ransom sinners for God.