Limited Atonement

Limited atonement, also known as particular redemption, is one of the five points of Calvinism, which is a Protestant theological system named after the theologian John Calvin.

In Calvinism, limited atonement teaches that Jesus Christ's death on the cross was intended only for the salvation of those whom God has predestined or elected to salvation, known as the "elect". Therefore, Christ did not die for the salvation of all people, but only for those who were chosen by God before the foundation of the world.

Proponents of limited atonement argue that if Christ's death was intended to save all people, then all people would be saved. Since not all people are saved, it must be concluded that Christ's death was not intended to save everyone, but only the elect.

However, critics of limited atonement argue that it contradicts the biblical teachings of God's universal love and salvation for all people. They also argue that it undermines the evangelistic mission of the church, as it suggests that some people are beyond salvation regardless of their response to the Gospel message.

Calvin's Predestination

Calvin's view of predestination is a key doctrine of his theology, known as the "doctrine of election." According to Calvin, before the creation of the world, God chose certain individuals to be saved and others to be damned. This choice was not based on any foreseen merit or good works of the individuals, but solely on God's sovereign will.

Calvin believed that this doctrine of election was taught in the Bible, particularly in passages such as Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:4-5. He also believed that it was necessary for understanding the nature of God's grace and for giving believers assurance of their salvation.

Calvin's view of predestination emphasized God's sovereignty and the absolute dependence of human beings on his grace. However, it has been a controversial doctrine throughout Christian history, with many critics arguing that it is incompatible with human free will and the idea of a loving God.

Arminian Predestination

The Arminian view of predestination is quite different from the Calvinist view. Arminians believe in what is known as "conditional predestination," which means that God's predestination of individuals to salvation or damnation is based on His foreknowledge of who will freely choose to accept or reject His offer of salvation.

In other words, Arminians believe that God has chosen to save those who would respond to His offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, but that He has not predestined anyone to eternal damnation. Arminians believe that individuals have free will and that their choices play a role in their ultimate destiny.

Arminians also believe that God desires for all people to be saved and that He has provided a way for all people to be saved through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, they hold that salvation is not forced on anyone, but must be accepted through personal faith in Jesus Christ.

Overall, the Arminian view of predestination emphasizes the importance of human free will and personal responsibility, while still acknowledging God's sovereignty and foreknowledge.