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In employing this term, the necessity of the Atonement, we are making use of an expression which calls for careful definition and explanation. Unfortunately, many writers have failed to perform this duty, with the consequence that loose and, oftentimes, most God-dishonoring views are entertained upon this aspect of our subject. To say that God must or must not do certain things is the language of fearful impiety, unless expressly warranted by the very words of Holy Writ. We are living in a day which is strongly marked by irreverence, and the most degrading views of the Almighty are now entertained by some who imagine their views of the Almighty are quite orthodox. It would be a simple matter for us to give illustrations and proofs of this, but we refrain from defiling our readers (I Cor. 15:33). Suffice it now to point out, once more, that never was there a time when God’s people more earnestly needed to heed that word, “Prove all things” (I Thess. 5:21).
This month's Article of the Month is the third installment and chapter 3 of Arthur W. Pink's book, The Atonement. Pink discusses the subject of the Necessity of the Atonement under three headings:

  1. The Atonement was Necessitated by the Will of God
  2. The Atonement was Necessitated by the Law of God
  3. The Atonement was Necessitated by Sin

Overall, this article as might be expected is quite good. However, I must mention that under the first heading I find myself in disagreement with the author. It is my view and that held by many notable scholars, teachers and pastors that the sending of Christ to atonement for those whom the Father loved before time was the ONLY possible way which God could redeem any out of Adam's fallen race. Pink disagrees, which is perfectly acceptable to do so. But unfortunately, he also goes on to degrade those who have held to this view in a very unwarranted way. It is sad that Pink chose to write what he did concerning those orthodox and faithful men who have preceded him and those who would follow him who are not in agreement with his view, which I found to be less than adequately convincing. You can decide for yourself... grin

You can read this month's article here: The Atonement - Its Necessity.

It can also be found in the general The Atonement section from the main page.

In His service and grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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