Did
Jesus die for every sin that will ever be committed? Did He die for everyone or
only for those who will believe in Him? These theological questions have been
debated for centuries. Those who believe in “Limited Atonement” teach that He
only died for those who will be saved. Those who believe in “Unlimited
Atonement” teach that He died for everyone. The answer becomes clear when we
examine the Scriptures.
1. Jesus died for all
sins for all time. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son” (John 3:16). “The world” means everyone in the world and not just
believers. “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of
Jesus Christ once for all…but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins
for all time, sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:10,12).
2. Jesus is potentially
the Savior of everyone. “We have fixed our hope on the living God,
who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe” (1 Timothy
4:10). He is potentially the Savior of everyone because He died for all
sins, which makes it possible for anyone to be saved. He is the actual Savior
only of those who put their trust in Him and have received the free gift of
salvation. If I bought you a gift and
offer it to you, it’s potentially yours but it doesn’t actually become
yours until you receive the gift from me.
3. God wants everyone to be saved. “God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the
truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). The Lord is “not willing that any should perish but for
all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Although the Lord wants everyone to
be saved, each person must choose to receive the free gift of eternal life.
4. Everyone who repents
and calls on Him will be saved. Jesus said, “Unless you repent you will all
likewise perish” (Luke 13:5). “Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will
be saved” (Romans 10:13).
You can receive
salvation by praying this with a sincere heart: “Heavenly Father, I
realize I am a sinner and need to be saved. I am truly sorry for my sins.
Jesus, come into my heart and save me. I give my life to you. I ask the Holy
Spirit to empower me to live a life that’s pleasing to you. Thank you for
giving me eternal life. Amen.”
If
you sincerely prayed that prayer, you have been born again and Jesus has come
to live inside you. Welcome to the family of God!
BIBLE STUDY: Calvinism
vs. Arminianism vs Evangelicalism This is a more detailed study of “Limited
Atonement” versus “Unlimited Atonement.”
SONG OF THE
MONTH “Forever
Live” by Kari Jobe. This powerful song (begins
at 1:58 mark) describes the moment Jesus rose from the dead.
Making Life Count Ministries
P.O. Box 680174
Prattville, Alabama 36068-0174