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@obrian-of-the-surface-world

First of all, excellently made argument! The use of scripture is great, as it should be the only thing used in primary theological debates.

So when you address God limiting his atonement, also known as ‘limited atonement’ I think we disagree. Also, it should be noted that the use of limited is a poor representation of what Calvinists mean. What it should be called,  or at least most calvinsits Would agree it should be, is definite atonement.

Far be it from us to say Christ’s Blood could not save the world, for it certainly could. His sacrifice is completely efficacious.

However, if we say that Christ provided us with salvation, but if we refuse, we aren’t saved, then we say his work on the cross wasn’t enough to draw that sinner. Sure, Christ died for the world, but it doesn’t save the whole world. We then place the ball in mans court. Mans decision makes or breaks salvation. We then give man the authority to lessen or increase the efficacious nature of Christ’s death.

How then could Christ die for millions of people who never will choose him, let alone hear of him. If we say that there is no definite atonement, then Christ has suffered for unbelievers sins, and then they will have to suffer for them again in hell. You see, the atonement which can be negated by a mans choice is simply uneffective. Rather, Christ says, “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.”
He again prays in John 17:2, “since you gave him authority over all flesh, so that he may give eternal life to everyone you have given him.”
If Christ died for the people God has given him, then the atonement makes sense. It is effective. It pays for those he chose. That is not to say at all that there are reprobates, who want to be saved, but cannot because God didn’t choose them. If a human truly wants God, it is because God has called  them and is working in their life, for salvation. No, those who are doomed to hell are only doomed to hell because they never want God, and never could be able to because of their own decisions and sins. So there will be no people in hell that truly wanted to be saved.

I beleive that the Calvinist atonement gives more hope and encouragement than that of a Arminian because it is effective. There is no doubt of the salvation given, because Christ died specifically for his people.

Hopefully that made sense. Thanks for your thoughts Brian! I appreciate them a lot. I appreciate and admire your desire and love for scripture and truth. Thanks so much for sharing, and I love hearing Christian brothers and sisters different thoughts!