Unlimited atonement is the biblical teaching that Jesus died for everyone. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus bore the wrath of God by taking upon Himself the sins of all humanity and bearing the punishment that was due for our sins. His death on the cross paid the price for the sins of everyone. Jesus’ death for sins is the foundation for reconciliation with God because God judged our sins in the person of Christ, who died on the cross in our place.
Author: Dr. Steven R. Cook
Dr. Steven R. Cook is a Christian educator. He is protestant, conservative, and dispensational. Studies in the original languages of Scripture, ancient history, and systematic theology have been the foundation for Steven’s teaching and writing ministry. He has written several Christian books, dozens of articles on Christian theology, and recorded more than seven hundred hours of audio and video sermons. Steven currently serves as professor of Bible and Theology at Tyndale Theological Seminary, and hosts weekly Bible studies at his home in Texas. Steven’s ministry activity is entirely voluntary (articles, blogs, podcasts, and video lessons), as he works a full time job as a Case Manager for a local nonprofit agency that helps the elderly and disabled in the community.
Divine Discipline and Self Discipline
God’s discipline is His ongoing correction and training that results in His people living righteous lives that conform to His character and will. As God’s children, He expects us to learn self-discipline, which means exercising self-control and maintaining focus on the teachings and application of Scripture. Believers with positive volition have submissive hearts that align their wills with His.
The Link Between Discipleship and Discipline
The English words "disciple" and "discipline" are linguistically related terms, revealing an important connection between the two concepts. A disciple refers to one who is devoted to learning from another, with a commitment to practice their teachings and example. On the other hand, discipline involves the process of mastering what has been learned, with the goal of internalizing the teachings to the point where they shape character and behavior.
Salvation is Free and Simple
Eternal salvation is both free and simple. It’s free because Jesus Christ paid the full price for our sins through His death on the cross, offering us forgiveness of sins and eternal life as a gift. God requires no works or effort from us to receive this gift—faith alone in Christ alone is the sole condition for salvation. God the Son died for our sins, was buried, and raised again on the third day (1 Cor 15:3-4), conquering sin and death, and He grants eternal life to us who simply believe in Him as our Savior (John 3:16; Acts 16:31). Salvation is by grace, through faith, and is entirely the work of God, making it both a free and simple process, accessible to all who believe.
I Am Sure of My Salvation
The author expresses unshakeable confidence in salvation, relying on God's immutable character and promises rather than personal worthiness. Key biblical references highlight that salvation is a grace gift, secured through faith in Jesus Christ. The assurance of eternal life stems from God's truthfulness, ensuring that believers are forever secure in their salvation.
Righteousness and Sin in the Life of the Christian
All of us as Christians experience a dual reality in our spiritual lives, being simultaneously justified and struggling with sin. Through faith in Christ, we receive judicial forgiveness, eternal life, and God’s imputed righteousness, which is the basis for our standing as righteous before Him. However, despite this positional righteousness, we continue to contend with our inherent sinful nature, leading to individual acts of sin throughout our lives.
God Uses Bible Teachers to Help Us Grow Spiritually
The biblical mandate for teaching and communicating God’s Word emphasizes that every believer, regardless of status or experience, can play a vital role in sharing divine revelation. From the Old Testament wisdom of Solomon to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, we see a consistent thread: the responsibility of imparting God’s truth spans generations and encompasses various roles within the community of faith.
When Christians Sin Habitually
Many Christians sin regularly, either daily or weekly, leading to a pattern that could be considered habitual. Even biblical figures like Abraham, David, and Solomon struggled with recurring sins, such as lying or polygamy, showing that this is a common issue. While Calvinists believe habitual sin may indicate a lack of genuine conversion, Free Grace theology distinguishes between justification and sanctification, emphasizing that habitual sin can occur in believers without questioning their salvation.
God Works All Things Together for Good
Romans 8:28 assures us that God is in control, even in suffering, and is working out His good purposes for those who love Him. Some of our experiences may arise from hearts that are bent on evil and harm toward us, but God ultimately controls the outcome of those events and uses them for His glory and the development of His children who love Him.
Spiritual Growth Through Meditation on Scripture
The spiritual life is built by repeatedly studying, processing, and applying God’s truth, not by racing through it. A slow, steady rain results in greater ground saturation than a flash flood, where most of the water runs across the surface. Likewise, slow reading with thoughtful meditation penetrates more deeply into the heart.
Feeding on God’s Word: The Path to Spiritual Maturity
The Word of God helps growing believers in their spiritual development. It has milk for the new believer, as well as meat for the more mature (Heb 5:13-14). And God wants us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:18). The infusion of God’s Word makes possible the advance to spiritual maturity and the fulfillment of His will, and this is accomplished by faith.
Balancing Support and Self-Support in Ministry
Paul worked a job to provide for himself financially while engaging in regular ministry. He did this so he could freely “offer the gospel without charge” to others (1 Cor 9:18; cf. 2 Cor 11:17). When preaching in Ephesus, he said, “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me” (Acts 20:33-34).
The Spiritual Gift of Teaching
The New Testament highlights the importance of the gift of teaching, emphasizing the role of instructing others in the doctrines of faith. The responsibilities and sacrifices involved in developing and exercising this gift are significant. A good Bible teacher is a lifelong learner, dedicated to deepening their understanding of Scripture and impacting others' lives.
The Value of Integrity
Integrity is the currency of a healthy relationship, but only among those who value it. It is the fruit of a morally upright heart that practices honesty, loyalty, and justice (Psa 15:1-5; Prov 19:1; 28:6; Mic 6:8). Without integrity, trust is compromised, communication suffers, and the stability of the relationship is jeopardized. Duplicity stands in stark contrast to integrity. While integrity involves honesty, loyalty, and adherence to moral principles, duplicity embodies deceit, unfaithfulness, and self-interest above the interests of others.
Suffering that Leads to Maturity
From a biblical perspective, God uses trials as a means to shape us into the people He wants us to be because He loves us and desires what is best for us. He wants us to mature, and life’s difficulties are part of the process. We must walk by faith and choose to “count it all joy” (Jam 1:2) because we know that the testing of our faith will lead to spiritual maturity if we yield to the Lord (Jam 1:3-4).
Distinguishing Gossip from Ethical Information Sharing
Sometimes, sharing the private information of others is nothing more than gossip; however, on other occasions, it can be an act of virtue that protects the innocent. The distinction between gossiping and legitimately sharing private information often hinges on the intent, the context, and the potential outcomes.
The Apostle Paul: A NT Example of Submission to God
The Apostle Paul exemplifies submission to God's will. His transformative journey from persecutor to devoted apostle showcases this. Despite hardships, he spread the gospel of grace and established churches. Paul admitted his weaknesses and the inner struggle between good and his sinful nature, emphasizing reliance on God's grace. His life is a testament to transformation through submission to God.
King David: An OT Example of Submission to God
David provides a good example of an OT believer who lived in regular submission to God. The Bible describes David as a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14; cf. Acts 13:22). David walked faithfully with the Lord and surrendered to His will. David was an obedient king, for the most part, and subsequent kings were measured by him.
Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves
The teaching of Jesus to be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves (Matt 10:16) advises believers to navigate perilous situations with wisdom and integrity. The apostle Paul's strategic division of his accusers in Acts 23 illustrates this principle in action, demonstrating prudence and resourcefulness in the face of danger and injustice.
Jesus, the Perfect Example of Submission to God
Jesus Christ provides the perfect example of submission to God. He’s the perfect example because He is perfect and never disobeyed the Lord. Jesus said, “I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 5:30), and “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38).
Dedication to God and the Spiritual Journey
Dedication to God, while not a requirement for salvation, is a vital aspect of the Christian life, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. Justification through faith in Christ is a one-time event, distinct from ongoing sanctification. Submission to God and transformation of the mind are essential for living in accordance with His will, leading to spiritual advancement and blessing.
Biblical Strategies for Dealing with a Toxic Supervisor
The content depicts the author's experience with a toxic boss, leading to emotional struggles. Seeking solace in faith, the author turns to biblical coping mechanisms and prioritizes life choices for stability, peace, and resilience. This account emphasizes forgiveness, integrity, and reliance on God's guidance during adversity, offering insight into handling difficult leadership situations.
What it Means to Be Spiritual
Spirituality refers to a life dependent on the Holy Spirit and living according to Scripture. Spiritual maturity requires discipline, positive volition, time, and adherence to God's Word through faith.
When Jesus was Forsaken by the Father
Jesus, in His humanity, experienced a judicial separation from God the Father for three hours while bearing the punishment for our sins on the cross. Jesus’ judicial separation from the Father was necessary for Him to atone for humanity’s sins.
God the Son Came Down
Sometime in eternity past, God the Father sent God the Son into the world to fulfill a divine mission. God’s Word tells us, “The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14). This was the great mission: to bring salvation to everyone. This act of God was done in love, as it is written, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16), and “He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
The Great Lie
There is a great lie that we have the ability within ourselves to save ourselves, or at least to help God in the salvation process, whether to a small or large degree. The Bible teaches we are saved by grace alone (we don’t deserve it), through faith alone (not by works), in Christ alone. Eternal salvation is a gift from God, freely given and freely received.
The Free Gift of God is Eternal Life
Salvation is a free gift from God, obtained through faith in Christ and not by any good works we produce. Understanding the cross reveals God's righteousness and love for sinners, bringing peace to those who have trusted in Christ as their Savior.
Why Volition Matters: Belief in Jesus and Eternal Life
Salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all, irrespective of background or prior belief. It is a universal invitation to eternal life, based on grace and faith, not works. Human volition plays a crucial role, with negative volition leading to rejection of God, and positive volition involving seeking and accepting salvation.
Faith Without Works is Dead
The debate over James 2:14-26 centers on faith, works, and salvation. Arminians and Catholics see faith and works as essential for salvation, while Reformed theologians view works as evidence of genuine faith. What James emphasizes is a faith that is useful to others and saves believers from divine discipline. For James, a dead faith is a useless faith that fails to glorify God and edify others.
When Jesus Says: “I Never Knew You”
Jesus warned His disciples about false prophets posing as righteous individuals, prioritizing man-made doctrines over God’s commandments. Different theological views interpret Matthew 7:15-23 differently, with Arminians emphasizing works alongside faith for salvation, proponents of Lordship Salvation highlighting the transformative nature of genuine faith, and Free Grace proponents asserting salvation as a gift from God, independent of human works. Jesus’ warning was against false prophets, not meant to instill fear or uncertainty in believers about their salvation.
Must We Confess Jesus Publicly to Be Saved?
The Bible teaches that faith in Jesus is necessary for eternal salvation (John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Eph 2:8-9). The passage in Romans 10:9-10 indicates that confession and belief occur simultaneously and are made to God. Confession is agreeing that Jesus is God and He rose from the dead, and it is inseparable from belief.
What Must I Believe to Be Saved?
Salvation has always been by grace alone through faith alone, although the content of faith has changed over time. From Adam and Eve to the apostles, the focus of faith shifted based on God’s revelations. Today, saving faith centers on the gospel message of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Believing in Jesus as one's Savior brings eternal salvation.
Salvation from Sin and its Consequences
This content discusses the concept of sin and its implications in the context of Christian theology. It explains the origin of sin from the fall of Lucifer to the disobedience of Adam and Eve, leading to the fallen state of humanity. It emphasizes the need for salvation, which is provided through Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and is received by grace alone, faith alone, in Christ alone.
When a Christian Turns to a Sinful Lifestyle
Believers can have correct thinking but not live accordingly. Biblical figures like Solomon and others sinned, showing believers can sin like unbelievers. God disciplines sinning Christians, but they retain salvation. To live faithfully, believers must pursue righteousness, learn God's Word, and walk by faith.
The Biblical Meaning of Repentance
Repentance, at its core, means a change of mind. Repentance is necessary concerning salvation if one understands it to mean having a change of mind that salvation is obtained solely in Christ. Unbelievers cannot stop sinning, which means they cannot save themselves, and their good works have no saving merit. The lost need to understand that salvation is 100% in Christ alone.
Redeemed by the Blood of Christ
Redemption, as described in the New Testament, signifies the liberation of believers from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and the shedding of His blood. This act of redemption secures forgiveness and new life for those who have faith in Christ. The effectiveness of redemption is contingent upon belief in Christ as Savior.
Forgiveness in Action
Forgiveness is a conscious decision to align with God’s will, transcending emotions and operating by faith. The act mirrors the grace we receive from God and benefits us personally, freeing us from bitterness. It challenges worldly values, embraces God’s love, and reflects spiritual maturity. It also leaves justice to God and defies retaliation.
Reconciliation with God
Atonement through Christ’s death reconciles humanity to God, satisfying His righteous demands for sin. Reconciliation is God's initiative, removing the barrier of sin and enabling salvation by faith. Provisional reconciliation makes humanity savable, while experimental reconciliation brings lost sinners into a relationship with God. Believers are ambassadors of this reconciliation, urging others to trust in Christ for full reconciliation with God.
Propitiation for Sins
Jesus' death on the cross fully satisfied God's righteous demands for our sins, serving as a propitiation - a complete payment for our debt to Him. Through this, we can be reconciled to God and saved from His wrath. This doctrine of propitiation highlights the removal of God's wrath and the satisfaction of His righteousness through Christ's sacrifice.
Penal Substitution for Sins
The concept of penal substitution teaches that Jesus took on the punishment for our sins, as stated in Isaiah 53:5-6, resulting in the imputation of humanity's sins to Him. This sacrificial act was voluntary, with Jesus serving as both High Priest and sacrifice. His death allows believers to receive forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life.
God’s Love that Saves
God’s love is seen in His voluntary act of offering salvation to lost sinners through His Son. His love is universal, gracious, giving, and salvific. It is based on His unchanging nature and commitment to our wellbeing. As believers, we are called to manifest this love to others and share the gospel.
Justified in God’s Sight
The process of divine justification is a one-time event, not to be confused with ongoing sanctification. Faith in Christ results in the gift of righteousness and a declaration of righteousness before God, not by human works. Justification is a judicial act of God, pardoning and accepting the believer as just through Christ's righteousness. This righteousness is imputed, not imparted, and believers are simultaneously righteous and sinners.
Challenging Calvinism’s Perspective on Salvation
The content discusses strict Calvinism, critiquing its doctrines and presenting a contrasting biblical view. It emphasizes disagreement with Calvinist teachings on total depravity and unconditional election and promotes the view of unlimited atonement. It asserts that individuals have the choice to accept or reject God's offer of salvation and presents a different perspective on God's sovereignty and fairness in salvation.
Divine Election
God’s election is a sovereign act from eternity past and is predicated on love and grace (Eph 1:3-6), and not on any foresight of good works (Deut 7:7-8; 1 Cor 1:26-31; Rom 9:9-16). God elects based on His foreknowledge, as Peter states, we are “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” (1 Pet 1:1-2), and the elect are saved through the preaching of a gospel message (Rom 10:14-17), and believing in Christ as their Savior (John 3:16; Acts 4:12; 16:31). The basis for condemnation is always a person’s unbelief (John 3:18; 5:39-40; Eph 2:3), as it is negative human volition that keeps people from coming to Christ (1 Tim 2:4; 4:10; John 5:40; Acts 7:51). Election is not merely to salvation, but to a holy and righteous life that honors the Lord (Col 3:12; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pet 2:9).
God’s Gift of Righteousness
The Bible reveals that God imputes His righteousness to the believer at the moment of salvation. The word imputation itself is an accounting term used both in the Old Testament and the New Testament (Gen 15:6; Psa 32:2; Rom 4:3-8; Gal 3:6). Biblically, there are three major imputations that relate to our standing before God.
The Holiness of God
The Bible reveals God is holy.[1] God declares of Himself, “I am holy” (Lev 11:44), and the psalmist says, “holy is the LORD our God” (Psa 99:9), and the Seraphim declare, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts” (Isa 6:3). In these verses, the word “holy” translates the Hebrew word qadōsh (קָדוֹשׁ), which means … Continue reading The Holiness of God
What is Free Grace Theology?
Free Grace Theology is a theological perspective within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone (Eph 2:8-9), in Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), totally apart from any human effort or good works (Rom 3:28; 4:4-5; 11:6; Gal 2:16; 2 Tim 1:9; Tit 3:5). It affirms that eternal salvation is “the gift of God” (Eph 2:8), and is exclusively in Christ, as we are “justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24), for “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23). Salvation is a gift, free to all who want it, at no cost whatsoever to the recipient, no strings attached, without charge or obligation to give anything, and freely received by those who trust solely in Jesus as their Savior.
Guilty Before God
The Bible reveals God is “the Judge of all the earth” (Gen 18:25), and He “is a righteous judge” (Psa 7:11), and He “judges righteously” (Jer 11:20), and “will by no means leave the guilty unpunished” (Ex 34:7). Yet, the Bible also reveals God is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth” (Psa 86:15), and One “Who pardons all your iniquities” (Psa 103:3), when we come to Him in honesty and humility.
Two Kinds of Forgiveness with People
For Christians, there are two kinds of forgiveness. The first is unconditional and the other is conditional. Unconditional forgiveness is one sided. It is given by the one who has been offended, even if the offender does not seek forgiveness or cease his sinful ways. This one sided forgiveness may also keep others at a distance so as to mitigate further harm against us and to avoid their corrupting influence.[1] Unconditional forgiveness benefits us personally, for holding on to unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies. It doesn’t work out very well for us. The second kind of forgiveness is conditional, as an agreement takes place between the one who has been hurt and the offender who seeks forgiveness and reconciliation. Conditional forgiveness not only releases the offender from his offense, but also restores the broken relationship.
Two Kinds of Forgiveness with God
In our relationship with God, there are two kinds of forgiveness. One is judicial and the other is parental. Judicial forgiveness is the forgiveness we receive from God when we stand before Him as the Judge of all humanity. This forgiveness occurs at the moment of faith in Christ, where “everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins” (Acts 10:43; cf. Eph 1:7; Col 1:14). This is a one-and-done event that is never repeated, as we are “forgiven us all our transgressions” (Col 2:13). Parental forgiveness is the ongoing forgiveness we receive from God as our Father and is repeated many times throughout a believer’s life. Judicial forgiveness brings us into a right relationship with Him at the moment of faith in Christ. Parental forgiveness restores our fellowship with Him.