TEXT: Romans 5:6

SUBJECT: Evangelism and the Five Points of Calvinism #3: Limited Atonement

This afternoon, I hope to continue our study "Evangelism and the Five Points of Calvinism".

"Calvinism" is a set of doctrines that attribute salvation to God alone. One is saved--it teaches--because the Father chose him, the Son died for him, and the Holy Spirit calls him. God did these things, not because anyone deserved it, but because He overflows with love, mercy, and grace.

"Evangelism" refers to preaching the Gospel--telling the lost what Christ has done and urging them to receive eternal life through faith in Him.

Do the Reformed Faith and evangelism go together? To many, on both sides of the issue, they don't. But I think they do; I think they must. And here's why: Both are of God. And He is "not the author of confusion". If evangelism is our duty, the doctrines of grace must stimulate it. If the doctrines of grace are true, they must guide our efforts in winning the lost to Jesus Christ.

"Calvinism" may be broken down into "five points". Thus far, we've studied two of them. Today we take up the third, and most controversial, and that is "Limited Atonement".

Four questions will occupy our time. They are: (1) What is it? (2) Is it true? (3) Has it hindered evangelism? and (4) How should it affect our efforts to reach the lost?

The word "atonement" refers to the saving work of Christ on the cross. It includes:

So you can see, every spiritual blessing we have is through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

Thus far, all believers agree. Whatever his theology or tradition may be, everyone who believes in Christ glories in nothing more than His cross.

But when we come to the second word, we have a problem. According to the Reformed Faith, the atonement of Jesus Christ is "limited".

In what sense? Reformed Theologians have never limited the value of His atonement. "We are not redeemed with corruptible things like silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ". The value of precious metals is limited; the value of our Savior's blood is infinite. Had He wanted to redeem every man and angel with His blood, He could have. Calvinists have long said His death could "Save a thousand worlds".

The atonement is limited, not in its worth or power but in its design or purpose.

In short: Jesus Christ did not die to redeem every person; if He had, everyone would be redeemed. He did not die to make every person's salvation possible; if He had it would also be possible that no one would be saved. He came to save His people from their sins. By His death on the cross, He did just that.

This is an interesting topic and worth thinking about long and hard. But not now. For this talk is not on the benefits coming to all through the saving work of Christ, but on "the limited atonement".

Now that we know what it is, we must go on to ask,

Believers on both sides can quote the Bible in support of their own view and against the other. For example,

Which verses are true? They're all true! So, how do we decide if the atonement is "limited" or "universal"? The easiest way to do it is to check the results. Assuming God achieves everything He wants to, we have to ask: What did He achieve in the death of His Son? "

In a word: salvation. We are "justified by His blood" says Romans 5:9; we are "reconciled through [His] death" adds v.10; His blood is "shed for the remission of sins" says Matthew 26:28; it is a "ransom" according to Matthew 20:28; and it "redeems us", Titus 2:14.

Will everyone be "justified"? Does the Bible teach a universal salvation? It does not. Why not? Because the atonement is limited in its design. Believers are redeemed to exalt the mercy and grace of God. Unbelievers are condemned to make visible His justice and wrath.

The third point of Calvinism, therefore, is true. Not because it's Reformed or logical or what we want, but because it's what the Bible teaches. And we take the stance of that young man who said,

"Speak, Lord;

For Your servant hears".

Has it hindered evangelism?

Yes it has; perhaps like no other doctrine. New believers are eager to tell their friends about the Lord. They say "Jesus Christ died for you!" Some believe what they say and are converted. How simple it all seems! And thrilling!

But then they start reading Reformed books.

The simplicity is lost. And the zeal with it. Now, they don't know what to say. So they don't say anything. This becomes a habit and then a model. Before you know it, the churches become small, inbred, and restless.

"Hide it under a bushel?

Yes."

The doctrine has drained the life out of many believers and churches. This has been my experience. And not mine only. In his sermon, The Duty of Evangelism, Martyn Lloyd-Jones said the same thing.

What do we do about it? Give up the doctrine--even if it's true? Or should we continue to believe it and, maybe--put it to good use?

You know what I'm going to say, don't you?

It ought to stimulate us to evangelism. Why? Because of what it accomplished! We don't have to tell people, "Jesus has done everything He can, now it's up to you". We can present a Savior, mighty to save! We can tell sinners, "His death is sufficient to save everyone who believes--including you".

In witnessing to the lost, you should bring up the fullness of the "atonement", not its "limit". Not because you're ashamed of the doctrine. But because that aspect of truth does not tell the sinner what he needs to know at the moment. He needs to know what Christ has done. And what he must do.

But what if he's already heard of the doctrine? Some unbelievers have and use it to justify their unbelief. If someone says, "How do I know Christ died for me?"

You say: "It's none of your business! It is your business to repent of your sins and to believe the Gospel".

If you don't have the guts to say that, maybe this will do. "How do I know Christ died for me?" You say: "There's only one way to know: Believe the Gospel and you'll find out".

One final thought: To encourage more evangelism and missionary work, let me remind you: Although the atonement is not for everyone without exception, it is for a whole lot of people! How many? John saw, "A great multitude which no one can number [redeemed from] all nations, kindreds, peoples, and tongues".

Get out there and find them! And may God bless your efforts for Christ's sake. Amen.