The extent of the atonement and its implications. An exercise in Biblical analysis and logical deduction:

The extent of the atonement and its implications. An exercise in Biblical analysis and logical deduction:

The Westminster Confession on Justification without which, it is impossible to have a correct understanding of Christ’s atonement.  Justification and atonement are inseparable. WC Chapter 11:3:   

“iii. Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to his Father’s justice in their behalf.  Yet, inasmuch as he was given by the Father for them; and his obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead; and both, freely, not for anything in them; their justification is only of free grace; that both the exact justice and rich grace might be glorified in the justification of sinners.”

Who was John Owen?

“John Owen was an English Nonconformist church leader, theologian, and academic administrator at the University of Oxford. He was briefly a member of parliament for the University’s constituency, sitting in the First Protectorate Parliament of 1654 to 1655. Wikipedia”

Can you or how would you answer a question from the Puritan John Owen?

The Father imposed His wrath due unto, and the Son underwent punishment for, either:

1. All the sins of all men.
2. All the sins of some men, or
3. Some of the sins of all men.

In which case it may be said:

• That if the last be true, all men have some sins to answer for, and so, none are saved.
• That if the second be true, then Christ, in their stead suffered for all the sins of all the elect in the whole world, and this is the truth.
• But if the first be the case, why are not all men free from the punishment due unto their sins?

You answer, “Because of unbelief.”

• I ask, is this unbelief a sin, or is it not?
• If it be, then Christ suffered the punishment due unto it, or He did not.
• If He did, why must that hinder them more than their other sins for which He died?
• If He did not, He did not die for all their sins! (1)

• John Owen, The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, (Edinburgh, Banner of Truth), pp. 173, 174.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Mr. Kettler has previously published articles in the Chalcedon Report and Contra Mundum. He and his wife Marea attend the Westminster, CO, RPCNA Church. Mr. Kettler is the author of books defending the Reformed Faith. Books can be ordered online at www. Jack Kettler .com