Friday, March 23, 2007

John Murray and Limited Atonement


Limited Atonement is often a controversial subject. I am currently half way through John Murray’s classic, Redemption Accomplished and Applied. In the chapter that deals specifically with the “Extent of the Atonement” one paragraph stands out. On page 64 he says,

“This doctrine has been called the doctrine of limited atonement. This may or may not be a good or fair denomination. But it is not the term used that is important; it is that which it denotes. It is very easy to raise prejudice against a doctrine by attaching to it an opprobrious and misunderstood epithet. Whether the expression “limited atonement” is good or not we must reckon with the fact that unless we believe in the final restoration of all men we cannot have an unlimited atonement. If we universalize the extent we limit the efficacy. If some of those for whom the atonement was made and redemption wrought perish eternally, then the atonement is not itself efficacious. It is this alternative that the proponents of universal atonement must face. They have a “limited” atonement and limited in respect of that which impinges upon its essential character. We shall have none of it. The doctrine of “limited atonement” which we maintain is the doctrine which limits the atonement to those who are heirs of eternal life, to the elect. That limitation insures its efficacy and conserves its essential character as efficient and effective redemption.

Notice that he makes the clear argument that unless you are a Universalist (everyone gets saved), by definition you must limit the Atonement. Either the Atonement is limited in “efficacy” or it is limited in scope or “extent”. To put it another way, either the work of Christ makes men savable or it saves them perfectly.

Some will object that the if the latter is true then why preach to “all men”?

Here is the very next paragraph:

“It is frequently objected that this doctrine is inconsistent with the full and free offer of Christ in the Gospel. This is grave misunderstanding and misrepresentation. The truth really is that it is only on the basis of such a doctrine that we can have a free and full offer of Christ to lost men. What is offered to men in the Gospel? It is not the possibility of salvation, not simply the opportunity of salvation. What is offered is salvation. To be more specific, it is Christ Himself in all the glory of His Person and in all the perfection of His finished work who is offered. And He is offered as the One who made expiation for sin and wrought redemption.”

I believe Murray is right. We must proclaim not a Savior that grovels but a Savior that is risen and powerful and is Lord of all creation, the Judge of men’s souls.

Soli Deo gloria

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