Did Jesus’ death accomplish salvation or just make it possible? Jesus spoke frequently about dying for those the Father had given to him — a group he called his sheep. Reformed theology teaches that Jesus did not die to merely open up a potential pathway to salvation that he hoped some would one day take. No, the Bible is clear that he accomplished redemption for his sheep by his death on the cross.
Related Sermon: Amazing Grace, part 3
Discussion Questions:
- Why do some believe that “definite atonement” a better way of describing the Bible’s teaching that is traditionally called “limited atonement”?
- Read John 6:35-59. Why do you believe Jesus spoke about the Father giving him particular people?
- Read John 17:6-19. For what did Jesus pray? For whom did Jesus pray?
- How does the way Jesus taught and pray compare with verses like John 3:16 and 1 John 2:2? How can both be true simultaneously?
- When Peter wrote that God is not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9), how can we understand that in light of limited atonement?
- Pray, thanking God that he not just open a possibility of salvation for you but that he actually saved you — including giving you the gift of faith!