Expert: Phillip Senn - 11/7/2006

Question
Hi.
I'm confused at the moment (after a talk with my friend) about wether or not Jesus died for everyone's sins and we all have the choice to have faith in him(which is the step to salvation)... or whether it is that he died for only some and those who Jesus has not died for are unable to be forgiven by him? I feel there are bible verses that suggest both views but I'd really like to get some more views on this from a biblical perspective as it worries me that people are believing that Jesus loves everyone and everyone has a way to get to God through Jesus... when my friend has been suggesting to me that this not true. I will also be praying for understanding from the Holy Spirit and trying to seek out answers in the Bible, i just find it hard interpreting such verses as 'Jesus died for the world' and how that is to be taken. Thanks for your help.
Kimbra

Answer
Kimbra,

Thank you for your question. This question deals with a theological view known as the TULIP or Calvinism. It is actually a response to Arminianism. The Calvinist view is that Jesus died ONLY for the elect, and that otherwise some of His blood that was shed to atone for man's sins would have been wasted. They further assert that when the Scriptures say that He died "...not for our sins only, but for the sins of the whole world", means that it is for all of the elect in all places in the world, but not for all men.

I agree that there are many passages that can be interpreted in that manner. I cannot agree with the Calvinist on this matter though, because of the Scripture in John 1 which states, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." This passage is used by the Calvinist to seek to prove that they are not saved by their will, but by His, and I would agree somewhat.

They are actually saved by His blood that was shed on Calvary. But it is faith in His blood that is the basis of their salvation. The Scriptures say that man believes in Christ that he might be justified by the faith of Christ (Galations 2:16). The Calvinist view (Reformed Theology) has become quite popular in these later days. The unfortunate part of this is that it is a very deceptive theological view. The Calvinist will say, "Sola Scripture" (ONLY SCRIPTURE), but when dealing with those that hold to "Reformed Theology", I have found that they generally use the thoughts of man (creeds and church documents) more than the Word of God, the Bible.

In the words of the Apostle Paul, "For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.  Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" Are we of Calvin? or are we of Arminius? Christ died for me. Neither of these men did.

The Calvinist seems to be declaring the principles declared by Calvin. The Arminian seems to be declaring the principles set forth by Arminius. But let us be careful to declare Scripture as our basis for our faith. Those Scriptures say that He (Christ) was the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the WHOLE WORLD.

Let's go out and share with others that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, and be faithful in sharing that Gospel with EVERY CREATURE.

I hope this has helped. Please rate this answer when given the chance.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn