Calvinism Exposed (3)
Limited Atonement

Introduction:

This part of Calvinism expresses the idea that Christ died only for the ones God had unconditionally chosen to save. God would not waste Christ's sacrifice on those whom he had determined not to save. Most bible students oppose this doctrine.

 

I.  Calvinists claim:

A.  The atonement of Christ is limited only to certain individuals.

B.    The perfect righteousness of Christ is transferred to those chosen by God.  This is where the doctrine of "once saved, always saved" comes from.

II. Scriptures Used to Prove This Doctrine:

A.     John 10:15:­16

1.    The Argument: Jesus died only for His sheep

2.    Answer:

a)     In verse 16, Christ taught that there are "other sheep not of this fold" that would come into the fold.

b)    Calvinists deny that one can change from "sheep not of the fold" to "sheep of the fold."

3.    There are numerous Bible examples of those who made that change.

a)    Many Corinthians had changed­ 1 Corinthians 6:9-­11

b)    Paul changed ­ 1 Timothy 1:13­-14

B.    Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25

1.    Argument: Christ died only for those who are saved­ again, the elect.

2.    Answer: He died to purchase the church; there is no doubt about that.

a)    And the church is composed of the saved.

3.    Hebrews 5:8,9 ­ all who obey (not only those who are elected to salvation)

4.    Acts 2:47 ­ not all will be saved, but all do have the right to be saved by obedience (vs. 38-­41)

C.    Romans 9:13

1.    Argument: The love of God in giving Jesus as a sacrifice was not a general kindness to all creation. "But it is a special and discriminating love, the favor which he bears to his own people, as distinct from others." (Five Points of Calvinism; Limited Atonement, John Gill)

2.    Answer: "Special and discriminating love?"

3.    There is no partiality with God." (Rom. 2:11)

III.  Biblical Truth.

A.    Christ died for all.  See 1 Tim. 2:4. God is not a respecter of persons

1. God loves everyone!  See Acts 10:34-35. 

B.    Jesus died as a ransom for all.  1 Tim. 2:6 See also Heb. 2:9; 1 John 2:2; Rom. 5:18; 1 John 4:14; 1 Tim. 4:10

Conclusion

A.    Anyone who obeys the gospel may be saved eternally (Rev. 22:17).

B.    Have you responded to the gospel call of salvation?