-I wrote this paper a couple of years ago when I was doing my undergraduate studies at Biola University. I was taking a class on the incarnation and decided to write my paper that semester on the extent of the atonement (for whom did Christ die?) comparing Bruce Ware's four point Calvinist position with the traditional reformed understanding. I will be posting sections of my paper throughout the week until it is complete. Since writing this paper I have discussed this issue with professors, read more books, and matured in my understanding of the issues. I have also gotten married and moved to Louisville Kentucky to go to Southern Seminary. I am in a class this semester with Dr. Ware and will be taking another next semester. It is in that class that we will discuss the extent of the atonement. Lord willing I will write my paper that semester on this very subject. My understanding of Ware's position has gotten clearer by being in his class and asking questions and will get even more clear after we discuss this very topic next semester. I have thoroughly enjoyed him as a theology professor even though I disagree with him in some areas like the atonement. I pray that this paper will be helpful to understand not only the details of the atonement but also the Glory of our redeemer.
The Nature and Extent of the Atonement (part 1)
The Lord is good for He fashioned a plan of redemption that excluded human effort and exertion. His plan was the only realistic one for if He left it up to mankind to accomplish redemption; all would be lost and condemned to hell. The truth about the human condition in its depravity sets up the necessary and drastic actions that God had to make in order to accomplish redemption. The holy Trinity, eternally existing in complete glory and contentment decided to create a world and a people to inhabit it. All the people in that world are in a state of spiritual death that was initiated by the sin of Adam. They are all dead in their trespasses and sins and cannot do good or even desire to understand the truth about their holy maker; Yahweh. To make matters even worse, the eternal destiny of humanity is based on what they believe about God and their success in keeping His law. Romans 3:23 proclaims that “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” This is a devastating truth that is ignored by those who are under wrath for their wickedness is evident and their payment is inevitable. Every human being has sinned and broken the law and is therefore under just condemnation and the wrath of God is their due punishment. However, God rich in mercy sent His Son Jesus Christ to be a sacrificial lamb on behalf of those whom the Father chose to be the objects of His mercy. God the Son, who eternally exists added unto himself a human nature and became incarnate 2000 years ago. Jesus Christ lived a humble life as a carpenter and made atonement by sacrificing His life on a cross. Christ died for the ungodly and undeserving, accomplishing everything necessary for redemption and those who believe in him will not perish but will have everlasting life (John 3:16). Christ kept the law perfectly on their behalf and his righteousness is their justification. In light of the Gospel it is important to understand that God did not have to save anyone for he would be just to leave all of fallen humanity in their sins. He was not bound to save us but this is grace: that God took the initiative and chose in His great love and kindness to save sinners from the punishment of their sins. It is quite evident as to the importance of this doctrine for the drama of redemption includes our eternal destiny. It is my intent to further explore the nature and extent of the atonement in order to better understand the reality of salvation.
The nature of Old Testament atonement is important because it sets up Christ as the sacrificial lamb. In the Old Testament the atonement was the blood offerings of bulls and goats that were made to uphold Gods direct command found in Leviticus. The purpose of this practice among other things was to make payment for sins (Leviticus 4:35; 16:30). Loraine Boettner writes that “The priestly and sacrificial system was designed primarily to center the attention of the people on the coming Messiah, and to teach that there was a way of pardon and access to God."[1] A blood sacrifice was necessary to show the severity of
The atonement in the Old Testament was only applied to specific people whom the priest made intercession. The Babylonians, Assyrians, Egyptians or any other Gentile nation was excluded in the Old Testament sacrificial system.
1. Boettner, Loraine. The Atonement. P. 99
2. Ibid
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