The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Gospel truth

beloved57,

Here it is in a nutshell . . . Is the doctrine of a "Definite Atonement" a scriptural truth? Absolutely! Should this doctrine be taught and preached in the churches? Absolutely! Is this doctrine an essential element of the Gospel? Absolutely not. The Gospel which is to be proclaimed universally concerns itself with the efficacy and sufficiency of the atonement and not its extent, i.e., Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. And through faith in HIM sinners are reconciled to God through His death and resurrection. The Gospel always points to the person of Christ before Whom men must bow as Lord, receive as Saviour, and trust for life itself. In Him is found the remission of sins and eternal life.

"Assensus", the believing of truth, has never saved anyone. Robert Sandeman thought otherwise and believed that all one needed to do to be saved was to believe some basic facts, or truths. He thus removed the essential element of "Fiducia", i.e., the necessity of a prior work of regeneration which recreates the soul, imparting a new nature which creates a genuine desire within a person to loathe sin and to love God and thus to involve one's entire being in the embracing of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is during or after one is converted that the truth concerning the extent of the atonement is realized as can be seen in Paul's own testimony:

Galatians 2:20 (ASV) "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that [life] which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, [the faith] which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me."

Am I saying that the doctrine of "Definite Atonement" should be excluded from the Gospel? What I am saying is that this doctrine is not an essential element of the Gospel which if not believed one cannot be saved. If the subject happens to come up in conversation then it is perfectly legitimate to discuss it. But again, the emphasis which should most concern us in presenting the Gospel and that which is of necessity to the unbelieving world is that the death and resurrection of Christ has made atonement for sin to all who believe.

In His grace,