FOR WHOM DID JESUS DIE?

ISAIAH 53

He will see the result of the suffering of his soul and be satisfied

(Isaiah 53:11).

The question of whether Christ died for all humanity or only for His own people has often been controversial in the church. The major debate occurred in the early fifth century between the followers of Augustine and those of Pelagius. The Augustinians said that Christ’s death was truly effective and definitely secured salvation for those He intended to save. His death had merit for His sheep alone. The followers of Pelagius believed that Christ’s death was designed to make possible the salvation of all men on the condition that they believe through the free exercise of their own wills.

The Sufficiency and Efficiency of the Atonement

Classical Christian theology teaches that the atoning work of Jesus Christ was sufficient for all men. That is, the sacrifice that Jesus offered to the Father was of infinite value. In that sense, what Christ did on the cross was sufficient to cover the sins of every individual who ever lived.

Christian theology, however, distinguishes between the sufficiency of the Atonement and its efficiency. We can see that the Atonement was sufficient for all men, but is it efficient for all men? In other words, does the Atonement of Jesus Christ have the effect of saving all men? Clearly not. Not all persons are saved. Thus, the Atonement is not efficient in the fullest sense for all men but only for Christ’s people.

The system of thought called “Arminianism” teaches that God designed the Atonement for all humanity. It is up to individuals to decide whether or not to take advantage of it, and God is waiting to see who, if any, will. Calvinism or Augustinianism, however, maintains that the intent and design of the Atonement was for the elect alone. Thus the Architect of the plan of salvation experiences no frustration of having His intentions denied and the One who implemented the Atonement experiences no frustration of having died in vain. God ensures by His sovereign control and saving initiative that every single person for whom Christ died is saved.

CORAM DEO

Christ has accomplished all that is necessary for your salvation, leaving nothing undone which you might need to contribute. Jesus’ death cry, “It is finished,” expresses the completeness of His atoning work. Your salvation has been eternally secured. As you reflect upon this today, consider what this means for your assurance of salvation.

For further study: John 6:35–40; 10:14–18, 22–31; 17:1–12

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