We have thus far studied the Bible teaching of the Total Depravity of mankind. We said that this teaching is fundamental and pivotal because, if this teaching is not true, then the doctrines of grace will make no sense. If mankind is not deprave to the extent which the Bible says in Romans 3:10-11 then it really does depend on the ability of the person to attain unto salvation on his own and election on the part of God is not necessary. We have also studied the teaching of Unconditional Election; that, because of man’s depraved state, God must choose to draw souls to Himself. If God does not choose to save some, then none will ever be saved. Therefore, according to Romans 8:28-31, God did in fact foreknow and predestinate a number out of the human race to be conformed to the image of His dear Son. Moreover, they are justified and glorified.
The term “limited atonement” means that God the Son came down from heaven, was made in the likeness of mankind, suffered and died on a cursed cross to pay the price of redemption for those chosen of God before the foundation of the world, and given to the Son as a prize possession.
Christ died for all the sins of all the elect, including the sin of unbelief. The idea that the only sin that sends men to hell is the sin of unbelief is a misnomer. Unbelief is merely a symptom of depravity which is the nature of all men without exception. People do not go to hell for what they do, but for what they are. Their punishment in hell is for what they do, but the reason they are there is because they are by nature the children of God’s wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3). By the way, while you are reading this passage go ahead and read the first chapter of Ephesians. The bottom line is, “except God through Christ redeem some out of mankind, none will ever be saved.”
The death of Jesus Christ our savior is thought by many to be a universal atonement. This means that His death on the cross was to provide mankind with the opportunity to get saved. In other words, the blood of Jesus Christ was shed to make salvation available to all mankind. However, if mankind is depraved and helpless to save himself, and enmity against God, then it does not matter how much blood was shed or made available, man will never in a million years take advantage of it. It also stands to reason, that if God did not choose all of mankind to be saved (which is obvious), then it was only necessary for the blood of our Lord to be shed for those whom God has chosen. This we call Limited Atonement. What does the Bible say about this teaching? Is Brother Pruitt off his rocker? I will quote a lengthy passage of Bible because I want you to be sure to read it. John 6:35-44 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, that ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which He hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” So you see, the Lord Jesus did not shed His precious blood in hopes that someone would accept Him and be saved. On the contrary, He suffered, died, shed His precious blood, was buried and rose again from the dead knowing that God the Father had chosen a vast number out of the human race and that the Holy Spirit would in time draw them to Himself. Please consider the following Scriptures: Isaiah 53:11-12 “He shall see of the travail of His soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong; because He hath poured out his soul unto death: and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” I would like to continue this thought in our next lesson. E-mail, johnpruitt@frontiernet.net.
