John says that he who continues in sin has neither seen Him nor known Him, so that continuing in sin argument is a distinction without a difference. Those who know Him will avoid sin.
We will always sin more than we repent. We have no idea of our effect on this world and on others.
But most importantly, if we deny a limited atonement, we take away the greatest hope, for it is clear that not all men will be saved.
AMEN! If God wanted all men to be saved, all men would be saved.
“. . .if you believe that Christ died for all men in the same way, then the benefits of the cross cannot include the mercy by which we are brought to faith, because then all men would be brought to faith, but they aren’t. But if the mercy by which we are brought to faith (irresistible grace) is not part of what Christ purchased on the cross, then we are left to save ourselves from the bondage of sin, the hardness of heart, the blindness of corruption, and the wrath of God.
“Therefore it becomes evident that it is not the Calvinist who limits the atonement. It is the Arminian, because he denies that the atoning death of Christ accomplishes what we most desperately need — namely, salvation from the condition of deadness and hardness and blindness under the wrath of God. The Arminian limits the nature and value and effectiveness of the atonement so that he can say that it was accomplished even for those who die in unbelief and are condemned. In order to say that Christ died for all men in the same way, the Arminian must limit the atonement to a powerless opportunity for men to save themselves from their terrible plight of depravity.” ~John Piper
Grace accomplishes that which God ordains. Grace is not speculative; it is transformative.
Thank God.
“Grace accomplishes that which God ordains. Grace is not speculative; it is transformative.”
Amen. What God sets out to do, He does, and it is complete. No will is above His. Therefore, the whole ‘limited atonement’ and ‘elect’ issue can only be understood when we being to see that it has nothing to do with our worthiness and everything to do with His worthiness. We are not even alive enough to seek Him without His seeking us first.
Praise Him.