Saturday, November 20, 2010

Limited Atonement and its purpose

Ephesians 5:25-27

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."


First Paul makes the statement for the husband to love his wife on the basis that Christ loved His Church. Throughout the Scriptures the Church is frequently called the Bride of Christ. It is intresting to note that Christ died not for all people around the globe, i.e. the reprobate, but he died for His Church, those who are part of His Corporate Communion. The atonement was not just an act that was not purposeful, it was purposeful - which these verses say the purpose. Christ died for the Church. This brings meaning and also makes the death of Christ more personalized. It is not that Christ died in hopes to save everyone. Sort of like how if I opened a door just sitting waiting for all to come with hope (wishful thinking). So not only does Christ death carry purpose, but it is personalized. He didn't just die hoping for people to come to him, no He died for me and for His elect.

The Purpose for Christ dying for His Church is to make her Holy which is seen the next verse which is also to bring about glorification - in other words, "to present her to himself as a radiant Church..."

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