Welcome to the third post in our series on TULIP, the five points of Calvinism that form the backbone of Reformed theology. In this series, we’re hoping to make a compelling, biblical case for each of these five doctrines that are often considered difficult yet, are profoundly important. The acronym TULIP stands for:

• T: Total Depravity
• U: Unconditional Election
• L: Limited Atonement
• I: Irresistible Grace
• P: Perseverance of the Saints

Today, we’re focusing on the ‘L’ in TULIP: Limited Atonement. This doctrine, perhaps even more than Unconditional Election, has caused many people to question Calvinism. It is therefore necessary for thinking Christians to settle for ourselves this question: is there a compelling enough reason from Scripture that prompts us to affirm the doctrine? Why must we affirm this difficult doctrine? And why is it necessary to grapple with these challenging concepts in our times?

Understanding Limited Atonement

Limited Atonement, also known as Particular Redemption, teaches Christ’s atoning work on the cross was intended to pay for the sins of the elect only, not for every individual who has ever lived. This doesn’t mean that the power of Christ’s atonement is limited, but rather that its intended purpose is specificity.

Biblical Support for Limited Atonement

Let’s examine some key passages that support this doctrine:

1. John 10:11, 15 (ESV): “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. … and I lay down my life for the sheep.” Jesus specifically states that He lays down His life for “the sheep,” not for everyone indiscriminately.
2. Acts 20:28 (ESV): “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” The church, not the whole world, is said to have been purchased with Christ’s blood.
3. Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV): “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” Christ’s sacrificial love is specifically for the church, His bride.
4. John 17:9 (ESV): “I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.” In His high priestly prayer, Jesus explicitly states that He is not praying for the world, but for those given to Him by the Father.

Why Affirm Limited Atonement?

1. It Maintains the Efficacy of Christ’s Work: If Christ died for everyone, but not everyone is saved, then His death alone doesn’t actually save anyone. Limited Atonement affirms that Christ’s death actually accomplishes what it intends.
2. It Aligns with God’s Sovereignty: This doctrine reinforces that salvation is entirely God’s work, from election to atonement to application.
3. It Preserves the Unity of the Trinity: The Father elects, the Son atones, and the Spirit applies salvation to the same group of people.
4. It Glorifies Christ: It shows that Christ’s work perfectly accomplishes its intended purpose, rather than merely making salvation possible.
5. It Provides Assurance: Believers can be confident that Christ’s death actually secured their salvation, not just made it a possibility.

Addressing Common Objections

1. Doesn’t this limit God’s love? God’s love is demonstrated to all (John 3:16, Matthew 5:45), but His saving love is particular (Deuteronomy 7:7-8, Ephesians 5:25).
2. What about verses that say Christ died for all? Words like “all” and “world” in Scripture often refer to all types of people or the world of believers, not necessarily every individual (e.g., 1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9).
3. Doesn’t this discourage evangelism? On the contrary, it encourages bold evangelism, knowing that Christ has a people He will certainly save through the preaching of the gospel (Acts 18:9-10).

Why Grapple with This Doctrine Today?

In our current cultural climate that often emphasizes inclusivity at the expense of truth, Limited Atonement reminds us of important biblical realities:

1. Salvation is entirely of God, not human effort or choice.
2. Christ’s work is perfectly effective, not merely potential.
3. God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), and His justice and mercy are beyond our full comprehension.

Understanding and affirming this doctrine fosters a deeper appreciation for the specificity and efficacy of Christ’s saving work, countering the prevalent notion of a vague, universal atonement that saves no one in particular.

Conclusion: Limited Atonement, while challenging to our human sensibilities, is a biblical doctrine that magnifies the power and purpose of Christ’s death. It assures us of the effectiveness of His work and motivates us to share the gospel, knowing that Christ has a people He will save.

As we grapple with this truth, may we echo the words of the heavenly worshippers in Revelation 5:9-10 (ESV):

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

This doctrine leads us not to narrowness, but to wonder at the vast scope of God’s redemptive plan, accomplished through the particular and effective atonement of Christ.

Related FAQs

Why does the doctrine of Limited Atonement continue to be controversial? Limited Atonement is controversial because it suggests that Christ’s atonement was intended only for the elect, not for every individual. This challenges the common belief that Jesus died equally for all people. Many struggle with the idea of God not providing a universal atonement, viewing it as conflicting with God’s love and justice.

What does Limited Atonement mean? Limited Atonement, or Particular Redemption, means that Christ’s atoning death on the cross was specifically intended to save the elect—those whom God has chosen for salvation. It asserts that Jesus’ sacrifice was fully effective for those it was intended to save, guaranteeing their redemption.

Why do we affirm Limited Atonement? We affirm Limited Atonement because it aligns with biblical teaching and underscores the effectiveness of Christ’s work. Scripture indicates that Christ died for His sheep (John 10:15) and His church (Ephesians 5:25), showing a specific intention. This doctrine also preserves the harmony of the Trinity, ensuring that the Father’s election, the Son’s atonement, and the Spirit’s application are unified.

Does Limited Atonement limit God’s love? No, Limited Atonement does not limit God’s love. While God’s general love is extended to all humanity, His saving love is particular and purposeful, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:7-8 and Ephesians 5:25. This doctrine emphasizes the depth and effectiveness of God’s love for His elect.

How does Limited Atonement affect evangelism? Limited Atonement encourages evangelism by assuring us that Christ’s atonement is effective for those God has chosen. Knowing that there are specific people Christ has redeemed motivates believers to proclaim the gospel boldly, trusting that God will save His elect through the message.

Does Limited Atonement negate the value of Christ’s sacrifice? No, Limited Atonement highlights the power and value of Christ’s sacrifice by affirming that it effectively accomplishes salvation for those it was intended for. This contrasts with a view where Christ’s death potentially saves but does not guarantee salvation for anyone, undermining the efficacy of His atoning work.

Why is it important to grapple with Limited Atonement today? In a society that often prioritizes inclusivity, Limited Atonement reminds us of the specific and effective nature of Christ’s redemptive work. It emphasizes that salvation is not based on human decision but on God’s sovereign will. This doctrine fosters a deeper understanding of God’s grace and sovereignty in salvation.

Related Posts

• Calvinism’s TULIP: Why Affirm Total Depravity?
• Calvinism’s TULIP: Why Affirm Unconditional Election?
• Calvinism’s TULIP: Why Affirm Irresistible Grace?
• Calvinism’s TULIP: Why Affirm Perseverance of the Saints?
• The Ordo Salutis: What are the Seven Steps in Our Salvation?
• Assurance of Salvation: Can I Really Know I’m Saved?
• The Calvinist-Arminian Debate
• Challenges to Calvinism and the Calvinist Responses
• Calvinism vs Molinism: A Deep Dive into the Debate