NOV 5

John 17:9
Memorise John 10:28
“…I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine...”

WHAT IS LIMITED ATONEMENT?

Limited Atonement is represented by “L” in “TULIP”. A phrase that is commonly used to describe this doctrine with reference to the effect of Christ’s atonement, is that it is “…sufficient for all, efficient for the elect…”. The value of Christ’s death on the cross was sufficient to save all, but not all will be saved because not all will ultimately come to trust in Him. Many have and will continue to reject Christ. Christ’s atonement on the cross cannot be applied to those who reject Him. In atonement, Christ’s blood paid the penalty for our sin such that God is willing to accept this work of Christ and can thus forgive the sinner. If the sinner does not accept Christ’s work, it is impossible for the atonement work of Christ to be applied to him. Atonement is a free gift, but the sinner may reject this gift. Hence, atonement cannot apply to all mankind, but is limited only to believers. The doctrine of Limited Atonement is found in many parts of Scripture. For instance, in Christ’s priestly prayer in John 17:9, Christ prayed; “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.” We can see here that Christ did not pray for the whole world but only for believers, who are described as those whom God has entrusted to Christ’s care. Evidently, what this means is that the atonement is limited in its effect to only those whom God has elected, and not to the whole world. Admittedly, this is a difficult doctrine to fully understand. Remember what is said in yesterday’s reading regarding humility and understanding doctrines from the correct perspective. We are to recognize and differentiate what God’s Word says and what our own minds tell us.

If you are a believer, you must count it an absolutely great privilege to be chosen by God because of His bountiful mercies. Matthew 7:13-14 tell us that the gate that leads to destruction is broad and many will take that path. On the other hand, the gate for believers is a narrow and small one. God’s chosen are few and you are one of these few. Not because of any good in you, but simply because God is gracious and merciful. This is so great a blessing that we will be praising God for all eternity. May we never take our salvation lightly nor forget how great a work of atonement Christ has wrought for us.

Thought: Can I repay Christ for what He has done for me?
Prayer: Father, thank You for choosing and saving me.