A Study of Theology III – Part 9
THEOLOGICAL DICTIONARY
Theology
Death of Christ
2 Peter 2:1
A Study of Theology III – Part 9 (Dr. Thomas Figart)
For whom did Christ die? Will everyone be saved because of His death?
A Study of Theology III – Part 9
Dr. Thomas Figart
- The Saviour (con’t)
- The Extent of Christ’s Death: For whom did Christ die?
- Definitions:
1). Normally designated “limited atonement” or “particular redemption” this view says that Christ died for the elect only, and His death was sufficient for them alone; but had He intended that the whole world was to benefit from His death, the sacrifice would have been the same, no less, no more.
2). Normally designated “unlimited atonement” this view says that Christ died for the whole world; His death was not merely sufficient for all mankind, but was also provided for all mankind, and is efficient to believers only
- Points of agreement.
1). Not all mankind will be saved; many will be lost.
2). Christ’s death and resurrection are the only means of salvation.
3). The gospel must be preached to all, since no one knows who will be saved or lost.
4). No one is born forgiven or justified; even the elect must accept Christ in order to be saved.
- Points of difference.
1). The question of provision: Was salvation provided for the elect only or for the whole world of mankind?
2). The question of availability: Is it possible for any given person to be saved?
- Argument from the extent of the finished work of Christ.
1). Unlimited redemption, 2 Pet. 2:1 Those spoken of as “bought” (redeemed) are unbelieving false teachers.
2). Unlimited reconciliation, 2 Cor. 5:19-20. Reconciliation extends to the whole world, not just to some.
3). Unlimited propitiation, “whole world,” 1 Jn. 2:2.
- Argument from Scripture.
1). The death of Christ for the elect.
a). Matt. 20:28, He died for many, not for all.
b). John 10:15, He died for the sheep, not the goats.
c). John 15:13, He died for His friends, not for enemies
d). John 17:9, Here is a group called “his own” given to Him by the Father; it does not include everyone.
e). Eph. 5:25-27, He died for the Church.
2). The death of Christ for the whole world.
a). 1 Jn. 2:1-2, He died not only for our sins, but for the sins of the whole world.
b). Heb. 2:9, He died for every man.
c). 2 Cor. 5:14-15, He died for all.
d). Jn. 3:16; Acts 10:43, He died for “whosoever will.”
e). Lk. 19:10, He died for the “lost.”
- Conclusions:
1). Though there are a number of Scriptures which emphasize the death of Christ for the elect, it does not follow that He excluded others in the provision of salvation. Other passages cannot and should not be compressed into this restricted mold. Where the Scriptures speak of Christ’s death in relation to the whole world, we have no right to restrict such statements to “the world of the elect.”
2). Men are condemned on the ground that they refuse to believe in that which has been provided for them according to John 3:18. But how could they refuse something that was provided for the elect only? Likewise, how can the non-elect be condemned for not believing something which was never provided for them in the first place?
