Particular Redemption and Human Understanding

Recently, I contributed in a discussion on the theologian Jean Calvin, and the teachings that bear his name. Experience has shown that a lot of people are confused by some of these teachings, especially the doctrine of Limited Atonement. It seems that there is a determined effort to produce bad press against this way of thinking by those who don't agree with it. My feeling is that this negativity is not very accurate or biblical. I have provided my position on this subject in order to garner respect for the enlightening of the Holy Spirit that occurred in the 1500's.

There is a philosophical approach to making an argument for the doctrines of grace, including Limited Atonement; or as others have described it, the Biblical understanding of Particular Redemption. But, it seems more prudent to consider the weight of Scripture and that alone. Firstly, God has throughout human history shown to maintain a position of absolute authority over the lives of His people. In Numbers 24:23 the Lord speaks through the prophet and says "Alas, who can live except God has ordained it?" And this truth coincides exactly with John 1:13 that speaks of new life in Christ.

If this doctrine had been left to OT interpretation it would not have the same significance as it does. But because the most authoritative teacher of men has pressed this upon our understanding in two lengthy passages recorded in John chapter 6 and 10 we must give it serious consideration. In John 6 Jesus makes two statements "All that the father gives Me will come to Me" (v37) and "of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day" (v39). Who are those that come? What has been given to Christ that He will raise up? Surely this is referring to the chosen people of God. Then later in this book Jesus teaches in one of His most moving and intimate lessons: "the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name" (John 10:3) "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep" (v11) "I know my own and My own know Me" (v14). It seems apparent that in these scriptures Jesus is connecting the idea of a particular people group, the elect, and his atonement for those He foreknew.

Now some might say; how can this be true and the statement of John 3:16 also be true that "whosoever believes..."? My response would be that we have there encountered the edge of human understanding. As it says in the prophet "With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding?" (Isaiah 40:14). This is the place where faith takes position over reason and we simply believe it to be true because God said it. And He is faithful to meet us there and minister to our unbelief (Mark 9:24).