Unlimited Limited Atonement part 1

Before I dive into an explanation of this somewhat paradoxical title, I first want to affirm a few things, and then state why I am writing on this subject. First, I am steeped in the Reformed faith. I believe that the doctrines that are expressed in the five points of Calvinism are a correct interpretation of scripture. This means that I strongly hold to the view traditionally called limited atonement, but now is being referred to as particular redemption. One of the concerns that leads me to write this article is the fact that so many modern Calvinist are doing away with the doctrine of limited atonement. I have taken the burden upon myself to defend this doctrine as taught in scripture, while urging Calvinist not to throw it away. The criticism of the doctrine by modern Calvinists is twofold: First, they argue that Calvin himself did not teach it. Second, they have trouble with certain scriptures that speak in relation to the atonement of God’s love for the world, all men, and his making a propitiation for them all.

I must say that I understand their concern, but I think tossing the doctrine of limited atonement is a bit extreme. Though I am a Calvinist, I am not committed more to a theological system than I am scripture. Therefore, when I discover something that might mess with my theology, I am open to refining things. One of the problems with the doctrine of limited atonement is that it has failed to do justice with how God’s relationship with the entire world has changed due to the death of Christ. Therefore, I think that the doctrine needs to be refined, not tossed. In this article, I will construct a theology called unlimited limited atonement. This doctrine holds to all of the traditional points of limited atonement, while providing a better explanation of the “world” and “all men” passages that so many Calvinist have had trouble with as it relates to limited atonement.

First, I will briefly explain the doctrines of unlimited and limited atonement as they have been traditionally understood. Secondly, I will provide the list of verses that each side uses to support their position. Third, I will show how these verses can be reconciled in the view of unlimited limited atonement.