Monday, March 16, 2015

Did Jesus Die for ALL Sins?

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