In this FAQ series, we will try to answer questions that will hopefully help us become more biblically informed and better equipped to live out our faith in community. To submit and vote on questions you would like to see answered on the blog by our pastors, click here. To see other FAQ Friday posts, click here.
Patrick Shealy, one of our Community Group Pastors, answers this week’s question from Anonymous in Taylors.
Over the years I have had some Christians tell me that Jesus Christ didn't die for everyone.
Is that really biblical?
Is that really biblical?
The question above really asks a deeper question “for whom did Christ die?” Did Jesus die as a substitute for all men to make redemption possible for everyone? Or did he actually accomplish redemption on the cross? And if he did actually accomplish redemption, whom did he redeem?
In answering these questions, I like to say that the bible shows us two viewpoints on Christ’s death: A view from above (God’s perspective) and a view from below (Our perspective). There are many verses that present a human, earthly perspective on the death of Christ. These verses express a universal aspect of the reach of the sacrificial death of Christ. While these verses never present a universal salvation of all men because of the death of Christ, many do indicate that everyone who places their faith in the sacrifice of Jesus is covered by that sacrifice and will not be condemned. (See: John 3:16-18, 1 Tim 2:4, Acts 2:37-40, Acts 10:43, Romans 1:16, Romans 6:23) This message of redemption is to be proclaimed to all of mankind without distinction. All have the opportunity to reject Christ’s sacrifice for them or to have it applied to their life through faith.
He died to redeem his people; those who follow him or would follow him.
Although there is a universal proclamation in the bible of salvation because of Christ’s sacrifice, scripture also presents another perspective on Christ’s death. It is the view from above, or God’s perspective on the extent of the reach of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. (I don’t begin to claim that I understand God’s perspective, but he has given us a glimpse.) There are many verses and passages that express that Jesus actually accomplished redemption for certain people, for only those who would believe. Jesus accomplished their redemption (he actually purchased them) but it is applied to their lives through faith. He died to redeem his people; those who follow him or would follow him. (See: Matt 1:21; 20:28; Mark 10:45; Acts 20:28; Eph 5:25; Rom 8:32-35; Rom 5:12-19) Christ’s substitutionary atonement was sufficient to save all people but only efficient for some; those who believe. Jesus got what he paid for. There was no wasted drop of the blood of Jesus. He knew all that he would die for. (John 10:14-16, John 17:9).
There was no wasted drop
of the blood of Jesus.
There are many more nuances to this question and many Christians may take a slightly different perspective. But here is what we should take away. Jesus came to earth with the intent to purchase back (redeem) what he had created while we were still sinners rejecting him (Romans 5:6-10). It shows his great love for us, and we should remind ourselves daily of this. He did all that needed to be done to turn God’s wrath from us. We embrace this through faith. (Eph 2:8-9) It is by grace that he has saved us and it is by grace we stay in his grip. When God looks at us, he sees us as “no longer guilty” because Christ came to redeem us. Have you placed your faith in what he has done for you?