Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Loraine Boettner (Available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example). Read Chapter 12 (Limited atonement).
A relatively short chapter is now given on limited atonement.
Firstly, Boettner states the doctrine: 'Arminians hold that Christ died for all men alike, while Calvinists hold that in the intention and secret plan of God Christ died for the elect only, and that His death had only an incidental reference to others in so far as they are partakers of common grace.'
Then, Boettner defends the infinite value of Christ's death - limited atonement 'does not mean that any limit can be set to the value or power of the atonement which Christ made.
Then discussion follows regarding the atonement's purpose and application (e.g. fulfilment of the law, a ransom, exclusion of the non-elect.
Next, Boettner looks at how the foreknowledge of God supports the doctrine of limited atonement.
Finally, we see that there is 'a certain sense in which Christ died for all men' because of the common grace that results to all men while they are alive on earth.
Boettner is absolutely right to ask 'How can God be just if he punished Christ, the substitute, and then man himself afterwards?'
If you deny limited atonement you must deny hell as well.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 13 (Efficacious grace).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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