|
…Peace is a wonderful thing. After a time of warfare, peace is a
welcomed and blessed time…
...The Bible teaches us that all people are born lost in sin and at war
with God…”at enmity with Him”
…Limited Atonement is a doctrine of saving grace. It is probably the most
disputed. It is considered
by many to be the “black sheep of the family,” thinking it does not belong
with the other four.
…But it does belong. This wonderful doctrine tells us that Jesus
accomplished salvation for His own, it is
certain. More than this, it is very personal. He died in my place.
THREE CONSIDERATIONS HELPING US TO GRASP GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IN
THE ATONING DEATH OF CHRIST.
…for there was nothing general about the death of Christ…it was for His
own!
I. The
Meaning Of Particular Atonement Must Be Understood.
A. The
ATONEMENT is the work of God in Christ on the cross whereby He canceled
the debt of our sin, appeased His holy WRATH against us, and won for us all
the benefits
of
salvation.
…The cross of Christ was necessary to provide
justice and not violate His holiness in
sweeping sin away without punishment. (Romans 3:25)
B.
The word LIMITED
speaks to the question of the intent and of the extent of God’s design.
1.
All must say
that the EXTENT of the ATONEMENT was limited, or particular. Otherwise, all
people everywhere would be saved and at peace with God. NO!!!
2.
The intention
of Christ’s death was to pay the full price for the ones chosen by the
Father before time. (John 10:11) “Our Sin Substitute” “In our place”
3.
There is some
sense in which the non-elect receive benefit from the death of the Lamb
of God. (Matthew 5:45/1 Timothy 4:10) “died, not in the same sense…”
C. The
real question seems to be: When Jesus died on the cross, did He really
provide a salvation for His own, or did He simply make all men
salvable, without saving anyone?
1.
Spurgeon tells,
those holding to a general atonement…really limit it!!!!
2.
John Owen
writes, “The Scriptures nowhere says Christ died for all men, much less
for all and every man. Therefore this is not to be asserted.”
3.
The Bible
tells:
…Matthew 1:21 “He will save HIS PEOPLE from their sin.”
…Matthew 20:28 “a ransom for MANY”
…John 17:1-2,9 “I pray for the ONES you gave me…not for the world.”
…Ephesians 5:25 “Christ died for the CHURCH” …not for the world.
…Revelation 5:9 “You purchased men for God from every tribe…” not all men.
II.
Note Some Key Terms Used To Describe The Death Of Christ.
A. REDEMPTION…is
a business word meaning “to buy back.” (1 Peter 18-25)
B. PROPITIATION…is
a religious word “to turn aside wrath.” (Romans 3:25)
C. RECONCILIATION…means
“to make one”…”peace” between warring parties. (2 Cor 5:18ff)
…These terms show that Jesus did not merely come to make salvation possible,
but He came to actually and really save His own, His people. What
Grace!!!!
…God’s intent was specific…The Holy Spirit was sent to bring new life
for those whom Christ died. If saved, you can say, Jesus died for me and I
believe for the Holy Spirit has brought me to life. Jesus’ work was a
salvation accomplished.
III. Examine
Some Of The Passages That Seemingly Teach A General Atonement.
A. Some
passages seem to teach that God wills or desires all to be saved. (2
Peter 3:9)
…these verses merely display an attitude in the gracious heart of God,
His love for mankind.
B. Some
passages seem to say Jesus’ work was intended for the entire world. (1
John 2:2)
…propitiation is a real removal of wrath. John uses “world” in
contrast to Jewish exclusivity.
…Here he tells that Christ’s work is universal in scope…for all the world.
(Gentiles too)
LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES:
1. Today
we worship a great God, who is sovereign, even in the salvation of people!
2. If
you are saved, then Jesus took the very punishment for your sin! He is our
Peace!!
3. If
God had willed all to be saved…all would be!!
4. Be
amazed…for the Lord had you on His mind when He died (Heb 12:2) “The Joy”
5. Today…I
urge you to believe upon the Lord Jesus, who died for sins…Come!!!!
|