The third point considers the atonement. The points build upon each other; when the previous articles are explained and understood, then the next point necessarily and logically follows. Man is depraved and cannot save himself. God, to glorify himself and magnify his attributes, elected to save some and not others. Some get grace and some get justice. Some get what they don’t deserve and could never earn, and then the others get what they have merited and deserve. If this is the case, then the sacrificial, substitutionary atonement is only on behalf of the elect. Only the sin of the chosen was laid upon Christ. Jesus, being the High Priest, offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the elect. If he died for everyone, if he paid the price for all sin, then all would be saved. That is not the case though; not all are redeemed; not all are forgiven; not all are in Christ; not all have received the gift of repentance and faith and righteousness. Most stand condemned and guilty before God. Most hate Jesus and his gospel. Most are unconverted and unchanged.
This is a very difficult teaching. It is very unpopular and maligned. Yet, it is the truth of God’s word that is significant and is to be cherished and believed, not man’s. Christ’s purposeful and particular atonement is true no matter how we feel about it. It would still be true if everyone ever born denied it. Look to the scriptures. Read and meditate on Exodus 12 and Leviticus 16. The Passover and Annual Day of Atonement were efficacious only for those represented and who trusted God by faith. Notice the particular and “narrow” language used in Isaiah 53.
As to be expected, the New Testament is more clear and precise. In Romans 3:21-25, Paul uses the word propitiation in the context of Christ’s death. This word means to appease or to turn away God’s wrath. Jesus is the propitiatory sacrifice. He turned aside the wrath of God. Now, did he turn aside the wrath of God for all or just the elect? If all, then how and why does God punishes some in hell for eternity? How could he justly pour out his wrath on those in hell if he had been propitiated? Some would say it is because of unbelief. Isn’t unbelief a sin? Wouldn’t unbelief have been atoned for (according to their scheme)?
The author of Hebrews in 9:25-28 says that Christ offered himself as a sacrifice and bore the sins of many. Again, the language is limited. Jesus, as the High Priest, bore the sins of his people, not every individual. Verses could be multiplied, but the truth is evident for those humble enough to accept it. One need only look at what the Bible really says; put away preconceived notions and presuppositions. Also, look at the words that scripture uses to describe salvation. Words such as: redemption, reconciliation, and propitiation. Not all are redeemed or bought out of slavery. Not all are reconciled to God, the enmity still exists. Not all are adopted into God’s family. Not all are united or joined to Christ. Not all are sanctified by the Spirit. Not all are born from above. Not all are justified, but stand condemned. Not all are cleansed, purged, converted, punished as children, convicted, assured, Spirit-indwelt, penitent, faithful, or called. Not all hear his voice. Not all are known by him. Not all are sheep. Most are goats or wolves masquerading as sheep.
The Westminster Divines expressed this doctrine rather diplomatically when they wrote, “The Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself,... hath fully satisfied the justice of His Father; and purchased, not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given Him.” (VIII. V)
The next point can be referred to as efficacious grace. The overarching thought is that all whom God elected and sent Christ to die for will be saved by the drawing and regenerating work of the Spirit. It is the favor of God; a transforming; a raising the dead to life; causing one to be born again; a nature-changing, mind-altering, soul-satisfying, heart-transplanting, life-converting work of God. The Spirit calls and awakens the sinner, who can do nothing else but answer. All of the barriers are broken, sin is atoned, guilt is washed away, the conscience is cleansed, the affections are renewed, and the will has a new Master. The spiritually blind and deaf now see and hear. Those who at one time hated God are now reconciled. The disobedient joyfully obey. The prodigal has come home. The sheep hear his voice and follow only the Great Shepherd. The leper is declared clean.
Paul says that God “saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began....”(2 Tim. 1:9) In 2 Corinthians 4:6 he said, “for God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” The reader may also refer to Ephesians 2:4-10; Titus 3:5; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:3-8; Colossians 1:13-14, 2:13; 1 Peter 1:3, 2:9; and Titus 3:5.
The Westminster Confession states,
All those whom God hast predestined unto life, and those only, He is pleased, in His appointed and accepted time, effectually to call, by His Word and Spirit, out of the state of sin and death, in which they are by nature to grace and salvation, by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God, taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them an heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and, by His almighty power, determining them to that which is good, and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ: yet so, as they come most freely, being made willing by His grace (X. I).
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