ATONEMENT: PART 2

INTRODUCTION

  • Focus on the accomplishments of the atonement and the implications of Christ's death.
  • Key concepts include redemption, propitiation, reconciliation, and different views on the extent of atonement.

CHASM ANALOGY

  • A metaphorical representation of the separation between God and humanity due to sin.
  • Concept visualizable on a napkin, emphasizing clarity in understanding atonement.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE ATONEMENT

A. REDEMPTION

  • Definition: God’s purchase and freeing of humanity from slavery to sin through a payment or ransom.
  • Greek Terms:
    • λύτρον (lutron): Ransom or payment.
    • ἀγοράζω (agoradzo): To buy back or redeem.
  • Biblical References:
    • Matthew 20:28: "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
    • 1 Corinthians 6:20: "For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body."
    • Titus 2:14: "who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds."

B. PROPITIATION

  • Definition: The act of Christ’s appeasement or aversion of God’s wrath through His sacrifice.
  • Greek Term:
    • ὀργή (orgē): Refers to God's settled opposition to evil.
  • Biblical References:
    • 1 John 2:2 (NIV): "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."
  • Explanation:
    • God's wrath is consistently presented in Scripture as a strong opposition to evil, rather than a fleeting emotional state (L. Morris, The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross, 180).
  • Query: How can God be loving and wrathful simultaneously?

C. RECONCILIATION

  • Definition: The restoration of a broken relationship between God and humanity.
  • Greek Term:
    • καταλάσσω (katalassō): To change from enmity to friendship.
  • Biblical References:
    • Romans 5:10: "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."
    • Colossians 1:21: Addresses former alienation and hostility toward God.
    • James 4:4: Discusses being friends with the world as hostility towards God.

EXTENT OF THE ATONEMENT: FOR WHOM DID CHRIST DIE?

A. LIMITED ATONEMENT

  1. Concept: Everyone limits the atonement, except Universalists.
  2. Application: Refers to how many people Christ’s death effectively saves.
  3. Theological Position:
    • The Reformed or Strict Calvinist view holds that Christ died specifically for the elect.
  4. Supporting Scriptures:
    • Romans 8:31-39: Use of "us" and "for us all" in context.
    • John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."
    • John 10:15: "I lay down my life for the sheep."
    • Matthew 20:28 / Mark 10:45: Ransom for many, not all.
    • Ephesians 5:25: "Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her."

B. UNLIMITED ATONEMENT

  1. Concept: Asserts that Christ died for everyone without exception.
  2. Supporting Scriptures:
    • John 3:16: "For God so loved the world…"
    • 1 Timothy 2:6: "who gave himself as a ransom for all men."
    • 1 Timothy 4:10: "Savior of all men, especially of those who believe."
    • 1 John 2:2: "for the sins of the whole world."
    • 2 Peter 2:1: "denying the Master who bought them."

C. IS THE “ALL” OF THE ATONEMENT “LIMITED”?

CRUX PASSAGE: 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-7
  • Text:
    1. Verses 1-7 outline the importance of prayer for all men.
    2. Emphasis on One God and one mediator (v. 5) — underscores unity in Christ despite distinctions.
    3. Ransom given for "all" men signifies the universal scope of Christ’s death.

D. EIGHT RESPONSES TO THE LIMITED ATONEMENT POSITION

  1. Historic Church View: If it’s heretical, it's not a new heresy.
  2. "Christ died for all" should be taken literally.
  3. References to Christ taking away the sin of the world indicate His sacrifice is for all.
  4. Implications of Universalism are noted; Christ’s death does not mean universal salvation, as belief is required.
  5. Double Jeopardy Argument: Benefits of Christ’s death are not applied to those who reject His sacrifice.
  6. Biblical qualifications of atonement do not indicate exclusivity to elect.
  7. Term "sinners" does not equate exclusively to "elect" or "church."
  8. God’s offer of salvation would be negated if Christ’s death was not universally applicable.

BEST CHOICE?

  • Affirms that Christ died for all but the atonement is effective only in believers.
  • Example:
    • John 3:36: "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
  • Conclusion: People are judged for their unbelief, reinforcing the necessity of faith in Christ for eternal life.

CALVINISM AND ARMINIANISM

  • Exploration of differing theological perspectives regarding the nature and extent of atonement.
  • Discusses implications for salvation and the character of God with regards to free will and divine sovereignty.