The Extent of the Atonement

Deep Dive into Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson - The Extent of the AtonementThe resolution of atonement theories centers on two main questions: "For whom did Christ die?" and "For what did Christ atone?"Regarding the extent of Christ's death, two primary views contend. Particular Atonement, often embraced by Calvinists, argues that Christ died exclusively for the elect, thereby guaranteeing their salvation. They emphasize scriptures speaking of Christ dying "for his people" or "his sheep," and infer from his limited intercessory prayer in John 17:9 that his atoning sacrifice was similarly confined. Conversely, Universal Atonement maintains that Christ died for all humanity, making salvation possible for anyone who accepts it. Proponents point to passages stating Christ died "for the world" or "for all people," asserting that the universal gospel invitation would be insincere otherwise.The most common resolution is the formula "sufficient for all; efficient only for the elect." This means Christ's death holds infinite value, ample to cover the sins of all humanity (sufficient). Yet, its saving efficacy is applied specifically to those God has chosen (efficient), ensuring their regeneration and faith. This synthesis often connects to the logical order of God's eternal decrees, suggesting God's decree to provide redemption for all humanity precedes his decree to elect certain individuals to receive it.Concerning "For what did Christ atone?", the traditional understanding is that Christ's death primarily removed the effects of sin, providing forgiveness and reconciliation. However, 20th-century Pentecostal and charismatic movements emphasized that healing is also part of the atonement, arguing that illness, a consequence of the Fall, was reversed by Christ's death alongside sin. The sources' evaluation counters this by explaining that Jesus's healings were primarily supernatural acts of sympathetic bearing through his incarnation, rather than a vicarious bearing of sicknesses on the cross in the same way he bore sins. Therefore, physical healing, unlike forgiveness of sins, is not always guaranteed upon request.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730