Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Unlimited Limited Atonement


"At first glance, unlimited and limited atonement appear to be in opposition. But that dilemma is resolved by noting two things. First, the two categories are not mutually exclusive; since Jesus died for the sins of everyone, that means he also died for the sins of the elect. Second, Jesus’ death for all people does not accomplish the same thing as his death for the elect. This point is complicated, but it is, in fact, taught in Scripture… 1 Timothy 4:10… “We have out hope set on the living God, who is the Savior for all people, especially of those who believe."
By dying for everyone, Jesus purchased everyone as his possession, and he then applies his forgiveness to the elect, those in Christ, by grace, and he applies his wrath to the non-elect, those who reject Christ. Objectively, Jesus’ death was sufficient to save anyone and, subjectively, efficient only to save those who repent of their sin and trust in him. This position is called unlimited limited atonement, or modified Calvinism." (Death by Love: Letters from the Cross pg. 171-172)

I've been really enjoying this book, although it seems like I've been reading it forever, but this is the first real issue I've taken with something that Driscoll has presented. I'm wondering what his view is on common grace. I'd only ever heard of unlimited or limited atonement, but never the two combined. Interesting thought, but I'm thinking this seems more like Arminianism than Calvinism.

1 comment:

  1. I'm keeping track of the issue here in case you are interested...

    http://gnublog.blogspot.com/2009/05/progress-in-our-understanding-of.html

    God Bless,
    ~ RR

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