A Calvinist Chimes In On Their Limited Atonement Theory
The following is how a Calvinist replied to the last Doctrine Matters message which proved false the Calvinistic theory that Jesus did not die for everybody:Christ … died for the elect specifically and for all generally in that the death was sufficient.This is new for John Calvin adherents to admit the truth that Jesus did die for "all." A cardinal Calvinistic doctrine is that Jesus couldn't have died for all unless all are going to be saved, because that would mean Jesus died for some who are not saved - and according to Calvinism that would mean some of Jesus' blood was wasted. But this reasoning is not sound because Jesus' death for all gives everybody an opportunity to be saved. If Jesus died only for a few, then those he didn't die for couldn't be saved. Because of what Jesus did, everybody can choose whether or not they want to serve God and be saved (Josh 24:15, Matt 11:28-30).But recently we have Calvinists saying Jesus did die for all generally, but still not everybody can be saved. Now that definitely would be a waste. That would make Jesus dying for people that can have no chance to be saved. They couldn't even be saved if they wanted to be. Talk about a powerless atonement; it can't get any more insufficient than that.The following are just a few of the passages that teach Jesus died for all people …I Timothy 2:6 who [Christ Jesus] gave himself a ransom for all ...Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.I John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.Which means all may be saved if they so choose …II Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, … but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.I Timothy 2:4 Who [God] will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.John 12:46 I am come ... into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him ...Four point Calvinism doesn't work any better than the five point version.