Understanding Limited Atonement: God's Purpose in Salvation

 

Summary

In our exploration of the core doctrines of Reformed theology, we have arrived at the concept of "limited atonement," a term that often stirs controversy and misunderstanding. Limited atonement does not imply a restriction on the value or merit of Christ's atonement. Instead, it suggests that while Christ's atoning work is sufficient for all, it is efficient only for some—those who believe and repent. This distinction separates our theology from universalism, which posits that all will be saved. The crux of limited atonement lies in understanding God's original purpose in sending Christ to die. Was it merely to make salvation possible for everyone, or was it to ensure the salvation of the elect, as part of God's eternal plan?

The term "limited atonement" can be misleading, which is why some prefer "definite redemption" or "definite atonement." This perspective emphasizes that God designed the atonement specifically to secure salvation for His chosen people. While Christ's death is valuable enough to cover the sins of all, He died in a special sense for His sheep, those given to Him by the Father.

This doctrine is often debated in light of New Testament passages, such as II Peter 3:9, which states that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. This text is frequently cited against definite atonement, suggesting a universal desire for salvation. However, understanding the nuances of the words "willing" and "any" is crucial. The term "willing" can refer to God's decretive will, preceptive will, or will of disposition. The context of II Peter suggests that "any" refers not to all humanity but to a specific group, likely the elect. Thus, God's will is that none of the elect should perish, aligning with the doctrine of definite atonement.

Key Takeaways:

- Limited atonement does not limit the value of Christ's atonement but rather its application. It is sufficient for all but efficient for those who believe and repent, distinguishing it from universalism. [02:05]

- The doctrine of definite atonement emphasizes God's intentional design in salvation, ensuring that Christ's death effectively secures the salvation of the elect, rather than merely making it possible for all. [05:01]

- Understanding II Peter 3:9 requires examining the terms "willing" and "any." The text suggests God's will that none of the elect should perish, rather than a universal desire for all to be saved. [16:51]

- God's will can be understood in terms of His decretive, preceptive, and dispositional wills. Each has different implications for how we interpret His desires and actions in the world. [10:19]

- The doctrine of definite atonement reflects a view of God as sovereign and purposeful, not a passive observer hoping for human response, but as one whose redemptive plan is perfectly executed. [21:17]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Introduction to Limited Atonement
[01:21] - Misunderstandings of Limited Atonement
[02:05] - Sufficiency vs. Efficiency
[03:25] - Distinction from Universalism
[04:06] - God's Purpose in Atonement
[05:01] - Definite Redemption Explained
[06:21] - New Testament Passages
[07:46] - II Peter 3:9 Analysis
[09:06] - Human Response and Divine Sovereignty
[10:19] - Understanding God's Will
[12:22] - Implications of God's Decretive Will
[13:47] - Preceptive Will of God
[15:09] - Dispositional Will of God
[16:51] - The Meaning of "Any" in II Peter
[19:10] - The Elect and God's Plan
[21:17] - Conclusion on Definite Atonement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Limited Atonement

Bible Reading:
- II Peter 3:8-9

Observation Questions:
1. What does the term "limited atonement" mean according to the sermon, and how does it differ from universalism? [03:25]
2. How does the sermon explain the sufficiency and efficiency of Christ's atonement? [02:05]
3. What are the different interpretations of the word "willing" in II Peter 3:9 as discussed in the sermon? [10:19]
4. According to the sermon, who does the term "any" refer to in II Peter 3:9? [19:50]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "definite atonement" reflect God's intentional design in salvation, as explained in the sermon? [05:01]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's will can be understood, and how does this affect our understanding of His desires and actions? [10:19]
3. How does the sermon address the apparent contradiction between God's will for none to perish and the doctrine of definite atonement? [16:51]
4. What implications does the sermon suggest about God's sovereignty and purpose in the plan of redemption? [21:17]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea that Christ's atonement is sufficient for all but efficient for some. How does this understanding affect your view of evangelism and sharing the Gospel? [02:05]
2. The sermon discusses God's will in terms of His decretive, preceptive, and dispositional wills. How can understanding these different aspects of God's will help you in your personal decision-making and spiritual growth? [10:19]
3. Consider the sermon’s explanation of II Peter 3:9. How does this interpretation challenge or affirm your understanding of God's desire for salvation? [19:50]
4. How does the concept of definite atonement influence your perception of God's sovereignty and purpose in your own life? [21:17]
5. The sermon suggests that God's plan of redemption is perfectly executed. How can this assurance impact your trust in God's plan for your life, especially during challenging times? [21:17]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s discussion of God not being a passive observer. How can this understanding motivate you to actively participate in God's redemptive work in your community? [21:17]
7. How can you apply the sermon’s teachings on limited atonement to foster a deeper appreciation for the grace and mercy you have received through Christ? [05:01]

Devotional

Day 1: The Distinction Between Sufficiency and Efficiency
Limited atonement is often misunderstood as a limitation on the value of Christ's atonement. However, it is crucial to recognize that the limitation is not on its value but on its application. Christ's atoning work is sufficient for all humanity, meaning it has the power to cover the sins of every person. Yet, it is efficient only for those who believe and repent. This distinction is what separates this doctrine from universalism, which suggests that all will be saved regardless of faith or repentance. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of God's grace and the importance of faith in receiving salvation. [02:05]

Hebrews 9:28 (ESV): "So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him."

Reflection: Consider your own journey of faith. How does understanding the sufficiency and efficiency of Christ's atonement deepen your appreciation for the gift of salvation?


Day 2: God's Intentional Design in Salvation
The doctrine of definite atonement emphasizes that God intentionally designed the atonement to secure the salvation of His chosen people. This means that Christ's death was not merely a potential offer of salvation for all but a definite act to ensure the redemption of the elect. This perspective highlights God's sovereignty and purposefulness in His redemptive plan. It reassures believers that their salvation is not a result of chance but a part of God's eternal plan, executed with precision and love. [05:01]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: Reflect on the intentionality of God's plan for your life. How does knowing that your salvation is part of God's eternal plan affect your daily walk with Him?


Day 3: Understanding God's Will in II Peter 3:9
II Peter 3:9 is often cited against the doctrine of definite atonement, suggesting a universal desire for salvation. However, a closer examination of the terms "willing" and "any" reveals a more nuanced understanding. The term "willing" can refer to God's decretive will, preceptive will, or will of disposition. In this context, "any" likely refers to the elect, indicating that God's will is that none of the elect should perish. This aligns with the doctrine of definite atonement, emphasizing God's specific plan for His chosen people. [16:51]

John 6:37 (ESV): "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out."

Reflection: How does understanding the different aspects of God's will help you interpret challenging passages in the Bible? Can you think of a specific passage where this understanding might apply?


Day 4: The Multifaceted Nature of God's Will
God's will can be understood in terms of His decretive, preceptive, and dispositional wills. Each aspect has different implications for how we interpret His desires and actions in the world. The decretive will refers to God's sovereign plan that will inevitably come to pass. The preceptive will involves God's commands and desires for how we should live. The dispositional will reflects God's character and what pleases Him. Recognizing these distinctions helps us better understand God's interactions with humanity and His ultimate purposes. [10:19]

Isaiah 46:10 (ESV): "Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you align your daily decisions with God's preceptive will? How might this change your approach to decision-making?


Day 5: God's Sovereignty and Purposeful Redemption
The doctrine of definite atonement reflects a view of God as sovereign and purposeful. He is not a passive observer hoping for human response but an active participant whose redemptive plan is perfectly executed. This understanding of God reassures believers of His control and intentionality in their lives. It encourages trust in His plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Knowing that God is sovereign and purposeful in redemption provides a solid foundation for faith and hope. [21:17]

Romans 11:33-34 (ESV): "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 'For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?'"

Reflection: How does acknowledging God's sovereignty and purpose in your life influence your trust in Him during challenging times? Can you identify a specific area where you need to surrender control to His sovereign will?

Quotes


SPROUL: As we continue now with our study of the core doctrines of Reformed theology, and we've been looking at the controversial five points of Calvinism, and we've already looked at the T in TULIP and the U in TULIP. And all that's left of the TULIP now is the LIP part, and we're going to start today by looking at the L of TULIP which stands for limited atonement. [00:00:13]

It does not mean that there's a limit to be placed upon the value or the merit of the atonement of Jesus Christ. It's traditional to say that the atoning work of Christ is sufficient for all. That is that it's meritorious value is sufficient to cover the sins of all people, and certainly anyone who puts their trust in Jesus Christ will receive the full measure of the benefits of that atonement. [00:01:34]

Now one of the traditional, again, ways of talking about this is to say that the atonement is sufficient for all but efficient for some. That is not everyone actually receives the full benefits that are wrought by Christ's saving work on the cross; namely, those who do not believe. But so far all of those distinctions do is distinguish our theology from universalism. [00:03:11]

What this doctrine is concerned about chiefly is this: What was the original purpose, plan, or design of God in sending Christ into the world to die on the cross? Was it the Father's intent to send His Son to die on the cross to make salvation possible for everybody, but also with the possibility that it would be effective for nobody? [00:03:57]

That's why we prefer not to use the term limited atonement because it is so misleading and rather to speak of definite redemption or definite atonement meaning that God the Father designed the work of redemption specifically with a view to providing salvation for the elect, and that Christ, though His death is valuable enough to meet the needs of everybody, that there was a special and unique sense in which He died for His sheep. [00:05:08]

Now the problem that emerges from this technical point of theology in terms of God's eternal decrees and His ultimate design and purpose for the atonement is often discussed in light of several passages in the New Testament. For example when it says that Jesus died for the sins of all the world and so on, which incidentally these difficult questions, I think, have been masterfully treated in what I think is the best treatment of this doctrine ever written, and that by the Puritan theologian John Owen in his book, "The Death of Death." [00:06:10]

The first is the word "willing" and the second is the word "any." Now let's look at the first one. God is not willing that any should perish. Here is a specific reference to the will of God. And we know that in the New Testament there are two Greek words both of which can be translated in English by the word will. Unfortunately, each of these words is capable of several different nuances. [00:10:04]

The first way the bible speaks of the will of God is in terms of what we call the decretive will of God, or some people call it the sovereign efficacious will of God; others call it the ultimate will of God. And what we mean by this meaning for will or willingness has to do with that will of God by which God brings to pass sovereignly whatsoever He chooses to do. [00:11:09]

The third way in which the term willing is used Biblically with respect to God is what we call His will of disposition. And here this is one of those anthropomorphic expressions that talk about the emotions of God, what pleases God, what causes God to be delighted, and what causes God to grieve and that sort of thing. [00:15:22]

I think, frankly that what Peter's talking about here is that group that is mentioned frequently in his epistle by the designation elect. Certainly the Bible speaks frequently of the elect, and the elect make up a distinctive group, and the question is is Peter here speaking about people? Is he speaking of the body of disciples of which Peter is a member? [00:18:04]

And so I don't think that this text gets rid of the idea that God designed the atonement for a purpose which purpose by His design must needs come to pass. I don't think we want to believe in a God who is a spectator of the drama of redemption who sends a Christ to die on the cross and then stands there holding, crossing His finger hoping that someone will take advantage of it. [00:21:23]

Our view is that the plan of redemption was an eternal plan of God, and which plan and which design was perfectly conceived and perfectly executed so that the will of God to save His people, in fact, is accomplished by the atoning work of Christ. [00:22:00]

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Transcript
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