My
aim in this series on “Calvinism” is not to convince people of a certain
theology. I want to show that there is a
basic understanding and unity among all of God’s people. In fact I will go so far as to state that the
problem of division is often ignorance and pride,
grieving the Holy Spirit!
Historically, Calvin or the Reformers NEVER USED OR HEARD OF THE
TERM “LIMITED ATONEMENT”! The phrase came from an Englishman, who
wanted to invent a memory device for the five counter positions the Calvinist
answer to the Arminians of Holland. He came up with the pneumonic,
T.U.L.I.P. Hence, “limited
atonement.” Psychologically, the worst
term to be used.
Dr.
Al Martin, was for years the godly Pastor of the large Trinity Baptist Church,
Montclair, N.J. He was actually awarded
an honorary D.D. degree from Westminster Seminary for his ministry and strong
“Calvinism.” Brother Martin, a long-time
friend, once exclaimed to me, “I’d like to find the man
who invented the term “limited atonement” and string Him up!”
What
did the Reformers teach? They taught that
Christ’s death was “sufficient for all.”
Calvin wrote that Christ’s death was worth not just our world, but ten
thousand worlds. However, not all Adam’s race will be saved, but only those who
believe.
Let’s
look at John 3:16, “FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHALL NOT
PERISH…” The design
of the Atonement was to save only those who believe! The Reformers, like all sound Christians,
were standing against a “universalism” that taught all would be saved by the
cross, including the Devil.
No! Sadly, those who will not heed the invitation
to come and follow Christ are lost , lost forever, despite His priceless death
for Adam’s race. But to the weary in sin
and wanting forgiveness and restoration, as the Old gospel song states, “there is room at the cross for you!”
ROSS
P.S. Next Week, we’ll look at the Victory of the Cross,
and why Spurgeon taught there will be more in heaven than in hell???
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