Eternal Approach

Belief in a “limited atonement” is a doctrinal consequence caused by compromises made by both Martin Luther and John Calvin when they failed to fully reject some of the Catholic heresies during the Reformation.

And even though they were able to break away from the tyrannical control of the Catholic system itself, they still held onto some heretical Catholic theology – evidenced by deeply their doctrines were influenced by the theology of Augustine (an extremely faithful Catholic theologian).

Instead of fully removing the leaven of spiritual compromise from their churches.

Trusting in False “Sacraments”

This leaven included the Catholic sacrament of baptizing infants and adults as a means of grace; whereby (they believe) “a person enters into” the kingdom of God. Or whereby one is made a “partaker” of “the grace of God”.

Where water baptism becomes “the doorway” one must use to enter into the Church.

In other words, it becomes a component of salvation.

Or they believe that baptism allows a totally depraved person to now qualify to merit salvation. Which, they say, was not possible before they were baptised. As if the lost person was unable to make a choice to receive Christ before he was baptised.

This merit system is not unlike the reception of the “sacraments of grace”; which are dispensed to faithful Catholics through their priesthood system.

Sacraments that supposedly provide forgiveness, cleansing, and salvation. And which also provide for the eventual release of the deceased “Christian” from the sufferings of purgatory into the joys of heaven; but only after all the remnants of sin have been purged away.

Supposedly.

The Total Sufficiency of Christ

All of these teachings are caused by a rejection, whether in part or in full, of the Total Sufficiency of Christ.

This is why many religious “Christian” groups today claim that only a limited salvation was purchased by Christ on the Cross. Leaving the balance of the work of salvation for the hopeful soul to “fill up” that which is lacking in his life.

By believing that a supposed deficiency in Christ’s work, can be made up through a person’s personal sufferings on earth or by prayers, good works, church membership, tithing, financial offerings, taking of sacraments, etc.

The bottom line is that, according to these groups, Christ’s sufferings, death, and blood were not sufficient to pay the full price for all sins!

Much More than a Covering of Sins

At the very least, there is a problem here in understanding the meaning of the term, “atonement”. 

While the New Testament does state that through Christ, “we have now received the atonement” (Romans 5:11), our salvation in Christ is much more than that which the Old Testament believer understood. 

“Atonement” is a term that actually applies to the understanding of those who were saved before the Cross.

Those whose sins were “covered” before the Lamb of God was slain. While the blood of lambs was still sprinkled upon the Mercy Seat, in the Temple or in the taberncle in the wilderness, as a covering for the sins of that past year.

While sacrifices of blood were still being offered “under the law” – to fulfill all of the Levitical-priesthood-system requirements. 

Our Perspective of the Cross

The Old Testament saints were looking forward to the day when the Lamb of God would be offered. Looking for that time when their sins and iniquities would one day be completely cleansed and removed forever.

Taken away by the One sacrifice, for all sins, forever that would leave them with “no more conscience of sins“.

“But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” (Hebrews 10)

Today, those who trust in the Total Sufficiency of Christ are completely forgiven and completely cleansed by the Lord Jesus Christ. Washed spiritually by the Holy Spirit of God, Himself.

Which is the true meaning of “the washing of regeneration“. (Titus 3:5-7)

In stark contrast to those who place their faith in a formal water ritual or “sacrament” or any other work of man. Trusting in their own works, even if only in part, instead of solely in the working of God Himself.  

The Finished Work of Christ 

Many “Christian” groups use biblical words and phrases when teaching their theology. But what they really mean by those words makes an eternal difference.

Because the “gospel” which we preach today, if we are still, in fact, really preaching the true gospel of Christ, is about a full and free salvation.

It is about a salvation that is available to every soul that calls upon and believes in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

A salvation that has been completely and fully accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ.

A salvation that requires “no more sacrifice“. (Hebrews 10: 26-29)

Where there are no “sacraments” or other rituals.

No priesthood or holy orders or actions that can add to or “fill up” that which is lacking in Christ’s finished work.

No dispensing of “graces” by “holy men” from some vast “spiritual treasury” of the good works of Mary or the Saints or anyone else.  

There are no good works, accomplished by anyone, that can add to what the Lord has already fully accomplished for us. 

Because the Lord has finished His work. Once and for all. He finished His work and is now seated in heaven with the Father and the Holy Spirit. 

Making His salvation and fellowship available to every soul who will fully trust in Him. And Rest in His Finished work of Redemption!

Image by Raheel Shakeel from Pixabay