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Calvinism:Limited Atonement
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Limited Atonement Defined
“Atonement is for the Elect only, since Christ died only for those whom the father gave Him to be His Bride. Only the
saints or the elect ones are ever said to be “beloved of God”, for they alone are the objects of his saving grace. The Calvinist reasons that if Christ died for all, then all
will be saved. If only the elect are to be saved, then Christ died for them, and them alone. Although it is true
that the blood of Christ is surely sufficient in value to atone for all, still it is obviously efficient only for those who are saved by His unmerited favor. – Tulip: The Five Points of Calvinism in the Light of Scripture, Duane E.
Spencer p. 71
If one accepts the doctrine of Unconditional Election Limited Atonement MUST be accepted!
“You see, if you believe that the Bible teaches that God is sovereign, His plan immutable, and His election unconditional , you must conclude that the atonement is limited to those whom he freely willed to make the objects of grace…The Arminian view insists that it is man’s act of faith which merits his being elected according to the
foreknowledge of God. If such be the case man is saved by works, not by the grace of God,
because he has done at least one thing pleasing to God, and all on his own.” – Tulip: The Five Points of Calvinism in the Light of Scripture,
Duane E. Spencer p. 37
Limited Atonement (Summary)1. Christ only died for the elect (those God unconditionally
predestined to be saved).
2. God does not love the non-elect.
3. One who believes in unconditional election must conclude that these things are so.
Note: • Many Calvinists have rejected this doctrine• Remember what Duane Spencer said: “if you believe that the Bible
teaches that God is sovereign, His plan immutable, and His election unconditional , you must conclude that the atonement is limited to those whom he freely willed to make the objects of grace”
• If the doctrine of Unconditional Election is accepted, Limited Atonement is the only logical conclusion. If God purposely intended for some to be lost… Then Jesus did not die for everyone!
Calvinism: “Only the saints or the elect ones are ever said to be “beloved of God”The Bible: God loves EVERYONE.
Words like “all”, “the world”,
“us”, etc. refer to mankind without distinction.
(John 3:16)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in
Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV)
Calvinism: “Atonement is for the Elect only… If only the elect are to be saved, then Christ died for them, and them alone.”The Bible: Christ died to offer salvation to EVERYONE.
Words like “all”, “any”, “the world”,
“us”, etc. refer to mankind without distinction.
(2 Peter 3:9)
“The Lord is…is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all
should come to repentance.” (NKJV)
Calvinism: “Atonement is for the Elect only… If only the elect are to be saved, then Christ died for them, and them alone.”The Bible: Christ died to offer salvation to EVERYONE.
(John 6:33) "For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives
life to the world." (NKJV)
(John 6:51) "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of
this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." (NKJV)
Calvinism: “Atonement is for the Elect only… If only the elect are to be saved, then Christ died for them, and them alone.”The Bible: Christ died to offer salvation to EVERYONE.
(John 1:29)
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb
of God who takes away the sin of the world! (NKJV)
Calvinism: “Atonement is for the Elect only… If only the elect are to be saved, then Christ died for them, and them alone.”The Bible: Christ died to offer salvation to EVERYONE.
(Titus 2:11)
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men…
Calvinism: “Atonement is for the Elect only… If only the elect are to be saved, then Christ died for them, and them alone.”The Bible: Christ died to offer salvation to EVERYONE.
(Hebrews 2:9) “…Jesus…He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.”
Would the believers of Limited Atonement deny that “all” means “everyone” in the
following verse? Of course they don’t!
(Romans 5:12) Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin,
and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned-- (NKJV)
Then let’s read on…
Calvinism: “Atonement is for the Elect only… If only the elect are to be saved, then Christ died for them, and them alone.”The Bible: Christ died to offer salvation to EVERYONE.
(Romans 5:18)
Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in
condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men,
resulting in justification of life. (NKJV)
Calvinism: “Atonement is for the Elect only… If only the elect are to be saved, then Christ died for them, and them alone.”
The Bible: Christ died to offer salvation to EVERYONE.
However many men on earth suffered judgment, the same number will receive
the free gift and be justified.
• The Calvinist sees only two options:1. Christ died the sins of everyone,
therefore everyone will be saved (obviously not taught in the Bible because of the warnings about Hell
2. Christ died for a select few
• They overlook a 3rd Option:3. Christ died for all, but all will not
receive salvation because all will not accept the conditions of salvation!
Why They Can’t Accept the 3rd Option1. Inherited Sin2. Unconditional
Election3. Misunderstanding
of “gift” “…by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God…” – Eph.
2:8
Calvinism: “…if Christ died for all, then all will be saved…”The Bible: The free gift of salvation is Conditional.
• The Calvinist sees only two options:1. Christ died the sins of everyone,
therefore everyone will be saved (obviously not taught in the Bible because of the warnings about Hell
2. Christ died for a select few
• They overlook a 3rd Option:3. Christ died for all, but all will not
receive salvation because all will not accept the conditions of salvation!
Why They Can’t Accept the 3rd Option1. Inherited Sin2. Unconditional
Election3. Misunderstanding
of “gift” “…by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God…” – Eph.
2:8
Calvinist Argument:“If one must do anything to receive the free gift, then it is not free and
you believe in salvation according to (your own)
meritorious works.”
Calvinism: “…if Christ died for all, then all will be saved…”The Bible: The free gift of salvation is Conditional.
Points to Share With Others Who Believe in Calvinism:
• Try to help them see you completely accept EVERY PASSAGE that speaks of God’s grace and agree that salvation
is a free gift from God!
Rules to Win Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes:
1. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER (That makes it “free” by definition.)
2. One entry per person per day
3. Entries must be received by the deadline, etc.
- http://rules.pch.com/viewrulesfacts?mailid=JanTV2013Control
To Win the Free Gift You Must:
4. Enter on time
5. Abide by the rules
6. Receive the free gift
Even FREE GIFTS are conditional!
One must RECEIVE a gift in order to have it.
One must receive the gospel.
(Matthew 10:14)
"And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city,
shake off the dust from your feet. (NKJV)
One must RECEIVE a gift in order to have it.
One must receive the gospel.
(Mark 4:16)
"These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive
it with gladness; (NKJV)
(Luke 8:13)
“… the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy…”
Both of these passages are speaking of those who were not saved – but they still had the ability to
receive the word!
Ironically, most Calvinists admit that the one and only thing one must do to be
saved is to receive God’s gift
of salvation.
Note: If you must do anything (even one thing – receive the gift), then
God’s salvation is conditional. Since man
has a free will, it is conditional based upon
your own actions!
Everyone will not meet the conditions of God’s salvation:
Jn. 8:24 “…you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He…”
Will everyone believe? No!
(Matthew 28:17) “When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.” (NKJV)
(Jn. 6:64) “Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who
would betray Him.”
Everyone will not meet the conditions of God’s salvation:
If all do not believe…• Will all confess their sins (1 Jn.
1:9)?• Will all repent of sins (Lk. 13:3)?• Will all confess Christ (Mat. 10:32-
33)?• Will all obey Jesus (Heb. 5:9)?• Will all endure faithfully until the
end (Mat. 10:22)?
All are CHOICES
one makes and all are CONDITIO
NS of salvation.
Calvinism:
1. “Atonement is for the Elect only… If only the elect are to be saved, then Christ died for them, and them
alone.
2. Only the saints or the elect ones are ever said to be “beloved of God”.
3. The Calvinist reasons that if Christ died for all, then all will be saved.
4. If a man believes he must do anything on his part to be saved he believes in salvation by meritorious works and the graceful salvation of the Lord is no
longer free.
What is limited atonement?
Supposed Proof-Texts Used:
(2 Corinthians 5:21) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the
righteousness of God in Him. (NKJV)
Calvinism: “There was a judicial transfer of the sins of man to Jesus Christ, God’s Sin-Bearer.”1
The Bible: Our sins are washed away, FORGIVEN. Jesus took our punishment upon Himself, not our guilt.
1 http://www.abideinchrist.com/keys/imputed.html
Nothing in the text inescapably implies our sins were imputed to Christ. The text does not prove that Christ took our guilt upon us but the scriptures clearly show
He took our punishment.
How Proponents of Limited Atonement See It:
Calvinism: “There was a judicial transfer of the sins of man to Jesus Christ, God’s Sin-Bearer.”1
The Bible: Our sins are washed away, FORGIVEN. Jesus took our punishment upon Himself, not our guilt.
The Bible Says…
(Ezekiel 18:20)
"The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked
shall be upon himself. (NKJV)
Calvinism: “There was a judicial transfer of the sins of man to Jesus Christ, God’s Sin-Bearer.”1
The Bible: Our sins are washed away, FORGIVEN. Jesus took our punishment upon Himself, not our guilt.
Calvinism: “There was a judicial transfer of the sins of man to Jesus Christ, God’s Sin-Bearer.”1
The Bible: Our sins are washed away, FORGIVEN. Jesus took our punishment upon Himself, not our guilt.
Therefore if God only sees Christ’s Righteousness
and not my sins…
Remember our quote from Sam Morris:“We take the position that a Christian's
sins do not damn his soul. The way a Christian lives, what he says, his
character, his conduct, or his attitude …all the sins he may commit from idolatry to murder will not make his soul in any more danger... The way a man lives has
nothing whatever to do with the salvation of his soul... The way I live has
nothing whatsoever to do with the salvation of my soul"
This is the logical conclusion of
“faith alone” salvation
The Bible Says…
(Romans 6:12-13)
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not
present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to
God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
(NKJV)
Calvinism: “There was a judicial transfer of the sins of man to Jesus Christ, God’s Sin-Bearer.”1
The Bible: Our sins are washed away, FORGIVEN. Jesus took our punishment upon Himself, not our guilt.
Supposed Proof-Texts Used:
(Isaiah 53:5)
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are
healed. (NKJV)
Calvinism: “There was a judicial transfer of the sins of man to Jesus Christ, God’s Sin-Bearer.”1
The Bible: Our sins are washed away, FORGIVEN. Jesus took our punishment upon Himself, not our guilt.
1 http://www.abideinchrist.com/keys/imputed.html
Supposed Proof-Texts Used:
(Isaiah 53:5)
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are
healed. (NKJV)
Calvinism: “There was a judicial transfer of the sins of man to Jesus Christ, God’s Sin-Bearer.”1
The Bible: Our sins are washed away, FORGIVEN. Jesus took our punishment upon Himself, not our guilt.
1 http://www.abideinchrist.com/keys/imputed.html
Supposed Proof-Texts Used:
(1 Peter 2:24)
who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for
righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed. (NKJV)
Calvinism: “There was a judicial transfer of the sins of man to Jesus Christ, God’s Sin-Bearer.”1
The Bible: Our sins are washed away, FORGIVEN. Jesus took our punishment upon Himself, not our guilt.
1 http://www.abideinchrist.com/keys/imputed.html
Calvinism: “God imputes the righteousness of Jesus Christ to the believing sinner while he is still in his sinning state.” 1
The Bible: Our sins are washed away, FORGIVEN.
1 http://www.abideinchrist.com/keys/imputed.html
Supposed Proof-Texts:
(Romans 4:1-11)
What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say?
"Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: "Blessed are those whose
lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered…
Calvinism: “God imputes the righteousness of Jesus Christ to the believing sinner while he is still in his sinning state.” 1
The Bible: Our sins are washed away, FORGIVEN.
1 http://www.abideinchrist.com/keys/imputed.html
Supposed Proof-Texts:
…Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin." Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or
upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, a
seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who
believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also,
Note: Does not teach CHRIST’S righteousness is imputed to us – merely
that righteousness is.
Impute: To put to one’s account
Does NOT mean “transfer into another”
What does the Bible say?How is faith accounted or imputed for righteousness?
Confusion Over the Definition of “Works”
“Therefore, we are made right with God by faith, not by faith and our works; hence, faith alone.”1 – Calvinist View
1 http://carm.org/are-we-saved-faith-alone-or-do-we-need-works-too
What does the Bible say?How is faith accounted or imputed for righteousness?
Confusion Over the Definition of “Works”
Meritorious Works vs. the Works of God
Works Which Cannot Save:• Works of the Law of Moses:
(Romans 3:28)
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. (NKJV)
What does the Bible say?How is faith accounted or imputed for righteousness?
Confusion Over the Definition of “Works”Meritorious Works vs. the Works of God
Works Which Cannot Save:• Works of the Law of Moses:
(Galatians 3:10-12)
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which
are written in the book of the law, to do them." But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith." Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall
live by them." (NKJV)
The works of the law of Moses
demanded perfection and no man is perfect.
What does the Bible say?How is faith accounted or imputed for righteousness?
Confusion Over the Definition of “Works”Meritorious Works vs. the Works of God
Works Which Cannot Save:• Works of Man’s Righteousness:
(Romans 10:1-3)
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God,
but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness,
have not submitted to the righteousness of God. (NKJV)
This is trying to obtain righteousness apart from Bible authority.
What does the Bible say?How is faith accounted or imputed for righteousness?
Confusion Over the Definition of “Works”Meritorious Works vs. the Works of God
Works of God:
(Ephesians 2:10)
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we
should walk in them. (NKJV)
These works do not nullify grace, but rather are acts of obedience which perfect our faith…
What does the Bible say?How is faith accounted or imputed for righteousness?
Confusion Over the Definition of “Works”Meritorious Works vs. the Works of God
Works of God:
(James 2:22)
Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? (NKJV)
No man can claim to have faith if he has no works.
(James 2:17)
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (NKJV)
What does the Bible say?How is faith accounted or imputed for righteousness?
Confusion Over the Definition of “Works”Meritorious Works vs. the Works of God
Works of God:
(Romans 1:5) Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for
His name, (NKJV)
(Romans 16:26) but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all
nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith-- (NKJV)
What does the Bible say?How is faith accounted or imputed for righteousness?
Confusion Over the Definition of “Works”
Meritorious Works vs. the Works of God
Works of God: Abraham as an Example (Rom. 4)
Rom. 4:3 “Abraham believed God, and it was counted (Gk. logizomai) unto him for righteousness”
Logizomai appears 11 times in Rom. 4 and is translated: “counted” (KJV) two times (vs. 3, 5) “reckoned” (KJV) three times (vs. 4, 9, 10) “imputed” (KJV) six times (vs. 6, 8, 11, 22, 23, 24)
What does the Bible say?How is faith accounted or imputed for righteousness?
Confusion Over the Definition of “Works”
Meritorious Works vs. the Works of God
Works of God: Abraham as an Example (Rom. 4)
Abraham’s faith led him to obey God and was “counted” to him as righteousness
He went out of his homeland when called (Gen. 12) When he trusted the Lord to make him a great nation
(Gen. 15:5-6) When he intended to offer Isaac as a sacrifice (Gen.
22)
Belief ALONE cannot save because many believers will be lost!Would anyone argue that these were
saved?
The Rulers Who Denied Christ:
(John 12:42-43)
Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of
the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the
synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (NKJV)
Belief ALONE cannot save because many believers will be lost!Would anyone argue that these were
saved?
Demons:
(James 2:19)
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and
tremble! (NKJV)
Belief ALONE cannot save because many believers will be lost!Would anyone argue that these were
saved?
Demons Who Believed and Confessed Christ:
(Luke 4:41)
And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, "You are the
Christ, the Son of God!" And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the
Christ. (NKJV)
OBEDIENT FAITH (not belief alone) is what differentiates believers from non-
believers.
OBEDIENT FAITH (not belief alone) is what differentiates believers from non-
believers.Romans 4 is clearly discussing
meritorious works by which no man is justified:
(Romans 4:2-4)
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed
God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Now to him who works, the wages
are not counted as grace but as debt. (NKJV)
OBEDIENT FAITH (not belief alone) is what differentiates believers from non-
believers.Romans 4 is clearly discussing
meritorious works by which no man is justified:
(Romans 4:2-4)
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed
God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Now to him who works, the wages
are not counted as grace but as debt. (NKJV)
Was Paul trying to convince the Jew that one never needed to be circumcised or keep the law in order to be
justified? No!(Romans 4:10-12) How then was it accounted? While he
was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of
the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be
imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham
had while still uncircumcised.
OBEDIENT FAITH (not belief alone) is what differentiates believers from non-
believers.Romans 4 is clearly discussing
meritorious works by which no man is justified:
(Romans 4:2-4)
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed
God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Now to him who works, the wages
are not counted as grace but as debt. (NKJV)
Was Paul trying to convince the Jew that one never needed to be circumcised or keep the law in order to be
justified? No!(Romans 4:10-12) How then was it accounted? While he
was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of
the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be
imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham
had while still uncircumcised.
OBEDIENT FAITH (not belief alone) is what differentiates believers from non-
believers.Note both the opening and the closing of the book of Romans:
The letter begins…
(Romans 1:5) Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for
His name, (NKJV)
The letter ends…
(Romans 16:26) but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations,
according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith-- (NKJV)
OBEDIENT FAITH (not belief alone) is what differentiates believers from non-
believers.(1 Thessalonians 1:3)
remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus
Christ in the sight of our God and Father, (NKJV)
OBEDIENT FAITH (not belief alone) is what differentiates believers from non-
believers.(John 6:29)
Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe [i.e. faith - MM] in
Him whom He sent." (NKJV)
OBEDIENT FAITH (not belief alone) is what differentiates believers from non-
believers.The ONLY time the words “faith” and “only”
are found in the same verse in the Bible:
(James 2:24)
You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. (NKJV)
God’s Atonement Through Christ is NOT LIMITED – it is available to whosoever desires!
(Revelation 22:17)
And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!"
And let him who hears say, "Come!"
And let him who thirsts come.
Whoever desires, let him take the
water of life freely. (NKJV)