“THERE ARE MANY QUESTIONS WE MORTALS HAVE COnCERNING THE TEACHINGS OF THE BIBLE. HOWEVER, THERE IS ONE THAT HAS STYMIED THE MINDS OF theologians MORE THAN ANY OTHER. IT IS THE QUESTION: ‘FOR WHOM DID CHRIST DIE?’”

 I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the World, the Word & You! Broadcast and in a moment we’ll talk about God’s wonderful salvation and what it offers to us fallen sinners, now and for eternity…

…The Judeo-Christian Bible is perhaps the most important, yet often neglected Book mankind has in its possession. Of course depending upon your state of mind, the Holy Scriptures of the Christian faith are either a sacred and revered book of revelation from the Creator God, or a masterfully devised fairytale of ancient man. But as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I look upon the Bible as the very Word of God, fully inspired, absolutely inerrant, and totally infallible in its writings found in the 66 books contained therein. From this standpoint today, I want to examine one of the most crucial issues it teaches, and to give you an understanding of it as simply as possible, without distorting it teachings and of course its promises to all mankind. So stay with me for today is THEOLOGY DAY, and as such we’ll look at one of the most important issues found within the pages of Scripture. My message is entitled: “FOR WHOM DID CHRIST DIE?”

…There is perhaps no more important verse in the Bible than that which is found in the Gospel of John, chapter three verses sixteen to seventeen. We read,

John 3:16-17 (NIV)  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

While it is primarily important for us to seek to understand each verse of Scripture as it pertains to us as God’s creation, we cannot ignore that the Church of Jesus Christ down through the centuries has put into place “systems of theological” understanding that enables us to know the meaning of God’s Word. Basically, there are four systems of theology from which all faiths that claim the Name of Christ as its founder and head stem from. Let me list them for you:

1. CALVINISM

This is a system of theology that grew out of the Reformation period and was systematized by the German reformer, John Calvin (1509-1564 AD). He studied the Bible and categorized it could be found to teach five basic concepts about man and God. Among them was a teaching called “LIMITED ATONEMENT,” which states that the death of Christ was only planned and executed for those who are the chosen “elect” of God. This theology is mainly centered in those churches which are labeled the Reformed, Congregational and Presbyterian Churches. Next is,

2. ARMINIANISM

Just near the death of John Calvin a Dutch theologian was born named Jacob Arminius (1560-1609 AD). He was greatly troubled by Calvin’s Five Points of Theology, especially the third I’ve zeroed in on – that God only offers “limited atonement” for the elect. Arminius saw in Scripture that the bible taught that Christ’s death on the cross was for the whole world of sinners, and not only those who were supposedly chosen by God before the world began. This has been a heated controversy in Christian circles for centuries. Next is what today is called,

3. LUTHERANISM

Martin Luther broke from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation Period (1517-1603 AD), and established an evangelical theology that uniquely included (1) the necessity of water baptism for salvation, (2) the teaching of the mystical real presence of Jesus Christ’s body in the Lord’s Supper celebrations, (3) the total depravity of man, and (4) the unconditional predestination of the elect unto everlasting life. And, lastly among major theological systems today is,

4. ANGLICISM

While neither Roman Catholic nor Calvinistic, Anglicanism continues to preserve what was old English Catholicism, while rejecting the peculiar abuses and errors of Rome . However, some Calvinistic principles of theology do exist within the evangelical section of the Church of England. Thus, large segments of true evangelical teachings of the Protestant Church exist within this predominantly catholic system of theology.

Now saying all that, my thoughts today are centered on what is argued among them all – “FOR WHOM DID CHRIST DIE?” It seems like an odd question but it is not and your understanding of it will deeply shape not only your theology, but how you apply it to life and the world of sinners. Now for simplicity sake, as much as possible without watering down the glorious teachings concerning the death of Christ and its importance to all mankind, here is “my” understanding of it. First,

We note, there are a number of theories concerning the significance of Christ’s death. However, the emphasis of the New Testament is Christ died a substitutionary death on behalf of sinners. His death is also called vicarious, meaning, “one in place of another.” In Isaiah chapter 53, particularly verse five, we can see the substitutionary nature of Christ’s death:

Isa 53:5 (NIV)  But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds (suffering) we are healed.

Peter the apostle of the Lord Jesus writes in a similar way in,

1 Pet 2:24 (NIV)  He (Jesus Christ) himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

From this we discover that the death of Christ first and foremost was a “SUBSTITUTION,” planned and executed by God Himself to atone and pay for the sins of the world! Thus, John’s sweet verse of Scripture can be understood,

John 3:16 (NIV)  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Now it’s important to note that the Bible says when Christ died on the cross, not at the hands of men mind you, but at the exclusive hand of God’s punishment causing Him to endure Hell for lost sinners, God the Father’s righteous demand for justice against those who’ve broken His laws for life and living in His universe, were fully and forever “propitiated!”

This is a magnanimous and complicated word, but an absolutely correct word, for it means “to fulfill and satisfy.” God was not satisfied by death, but what it wrought. Jesus Christ, died as a sacrificial lamb, taking the place of lost sinners whom God loved who were under condemnation of death in this life and more in eternity. Now through this sacrifice and propitiatory work, God was able to bring to us, lost sinners, “forgiveness, reconciliation and justification.”

So it’s quite simple yet understandably complex, but “CHRIST DIED FOR SINNERS AND THOSE TO WHOM HIS DEATH IS APPLIED, ARE LOOKED UPON AS ABSOLUTELY HOLY, RIGHTEOUS AND AS IF THEY NEVER SINNED!”

But now the question is for whom did Christ actually die? Did He die as a substitute sin offering, only for those whom God elected before the world began, and as such passes by all the non-elect of the world? Are there people who have lived and are living whom God never really cared for, and Christ’s death does not cover?  Such was the teaching extrapolated by John Calvin, which was reputed by Jacob Arminius. Arminius taught that Christ died for all sinners, non excepted. The implications are great here, because what you view about the death of Christ affects how you relate to the world of sinners around you.

Now let this be said, that on both sides of the issue are good, godly men, even scholars who differ on this very viewpoint. However, it is wrong to put people’s thinking on the Cross of Christ into these two major pigeonholes of theology. For instance, I lean heavily toward Calvin’s view of theology, but as to his third teaching that Christ died only for the elect, I cannot find it supported in Scripture. Here’s why.

The Bible throughout its teachings concerning the Death of Christ, always teaches that it was for the world of lost sinners Christ came and died. Here’s some Scriptures which tell this story,

John 3:16 (NIV)  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 Tim 2:6 (NIV)  who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.

1 Tim 4:10 (NIV)  (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

Titus 2:11 (NIV)  For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

Heb 2:9 (NIV)  But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

2 Pet 3:9 (NIV)  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

1 John 2:2 (NIV)  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Now I have not exhausted what these verses have in common. From the teachings of the apostles Peter, Paul, the prophets and Jesus Himself we must understand that the offer of Christ’s death on the cross to be a substitute payment for the sins of mankind, extended universally to the entire world of sinners.

Of course, the “Limited Redemptionists” make the charge  - if Christ’s death extends beyond the elect who will be saved, and all are not saved, then God has failed and has been defeated. This is the faulty reasoning at best of those who espouse a “Limited Redemption.” The reason is Christ’s death in and of itself forgives no sinner, nor does it render regeneration. So individual sinners whether they be the elect or the non-elect are not saved severally by the act of Christ dying on the cross, but rather they ARE SAVED by the divine APPLICATION of that work and value of it when they BELIEVE! This is why “UNLIMITED REDEMPTIONISTS,” of which I include myself, say the death of Christ is a legitimate offer of God the Father to all sinners of all times. Now answering that great question we do know that all the world will not be saved from their sins. In fact, Jesus Himself taught that the majority of mankind will perish in Hell for their sins and reject God’s offer of salvation. Listen to Jesus’ words on the matter,

Mat 7:13-14 (NIV)  “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Mat 7:21-23 (NIV)  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

As shocking as those words are, God the Son, Jesus Christ taught us that although He came to save a world of lost sinners, the vast majority will not receive this forgiveness, and will reject it trusting rather in their own fallen righteousness as a means of saving themselves on the Day of Judgment. WHY? The answer is the sin nature of man. Man’s only desire, being born a sinner and living as such, is for “self,” the inner man, that is who we truly are wants to sovereignly be on the throne of life. “Self,” rules and will submit to no one else. But God decreed long ago, that anyone man or angel that opts to rise up and usurp God’s sovereign rulership sins and will die as a consequence (Ezek. 18:4; Rom 3:23 ; 6:23 )). This is why God fashioned a place called Hell or the Lake of Fire . (Mat. 25:41) It is a holding place, a permanent penitentiary for fallen angels and sinning humanity who will not accept God’s sovereign rulership.

Today the offer of centuries stands open to all who will willingly hear and respond. The offer of salvation is simple. Jesus said,

Mat 11:28 -30 (NIV)  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Nowadays, many are trying to earn their own salvation by promoting and doing good deeds and works of righteousness in the church and without. However, God says all of this done by sinners under judgment, cannot be accepted because it is flawed and racked with sin.

Isa 64:6 (NLT)  We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall. And our sins, like the wind, sweep us away.

Rom 5:12 (NLT)  When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.”

But Christ has died for all these sins, past, present and future, and God the Father is willing to “apply” this death and its offer of forgiveness to all sinners who will come to Him confessing their sins and calling upon Jesus Christ as their God and Savior to forgive them.

The Bible’s GOOD NEWS is all who will come regardless of who they are, or what they’ve done – will be saved! Alas, the sad news is many will not, even after hearing this “good news” message from God. As a result, they will die and perish in their sins. Religion won’t save them, good works won’t save them, nothing but the shed blood of Christ on the cross can save you or me!

So the question is FOR WHOM DID CHRIST DIE? The answer is universally for everyone! But specifically all those who turn to God in Christ, acknowledging He alone is our salvation, our righteousness, and our forgiveness. And, all who do not accept and receive Him, will perish in eternity, even though God offered them full salvation in Christ.

Now the personal question we all face is this, Have you believed? Have you believed rightly? What are some wrong ideas about Christ’s death that cannot save?

 Here’s a short but popular list:

1. The Death of Christ was a martyr’s death.

2. The Death of Christ was accidental.

3. The Death of Christ was our moral example.

4. The Death of Christ was God’s exhibit of His displeasure with sin.

5. The Death of Christ was to show man that God loves them.

6. The Death of Christ was the death of a criminal.

No, none of these reflects the truth of Christ’s death, that it was universal and complete. Yes, Christ’s death was to appease and satisfy God’s holy righteous anger against sin, all sin in heaven and the universe. For it still stands, those who sin must die and be cast out of the presence of God for all eternity. The truth is there is no annihilation of beings once created, for all of us angels and men were created in the image of God that is since He lives eternally, our living will go on the same. So, you have a choice which angels do not. That choice is to allow the Death of Christ to be applied to your sin account. If you accept and acknowledge Christ as your God and Savior, your sins will be wiped out forever, once for all, the moment you surrender in faith to Christ. But if you refuse, neglect, or distort Christ’s death and sin payment by adding your own works, rituals and righteousness, Jesus has the last words for you.

John 8:24 (NIV)  I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.”

Rev 22:17 (NIV)  The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

Today the offer of God’s salvation is presented to you. His death is universally offered to all who will hear, but His death payment for sin will not be applied till each sinner comes personally before God in a moment of repentant prayer and asks Christ to save them.

So my friend it is up to you, right now to decide who will be on the throne of your life. Will it be God through Jesus Christ, or yourself. Remember, your decision determines your destiny now and in eternity.

…Well friends, I tried to share with you one of the most difficult to understand teaching in the Bible, the death of Jesus Christ. However as hard as it may seem, its effects are easily appropriated to all of us. All we have to do is believe God’s Word concerning our sins and guilt, and what God has done by coming to this earth to die for them. The offer of forgiveness, reconciliation and new life is yours for the asking. May you be so enlightened by the Spirit to respond.