Having looked at God’s plan of electing some to eternal life before the foundation of the world, we now to look briefly at the intention of the atonement. For many it seems that the atonement is just a vague offering for sin that does not accomplish anything. The notion is that unless someone avails themselves of the atonement the atonement is useless to them. Now of course this is true but who is that avails themselves of the atoning death of Christ, the answer is the elect.

Theological debates get quite complicated at this point, with the accusation that this limits the atonement. Yes the atonement is limited in its application to the elect but is of such immense value that it it is sufficient for all..It is also true that all views of the atonement place some limitation upon the atonement. The Arminian view sees it limited in its effect whereas the reformed theologian sees the atonement limited by God’s intention as well as by its effect.

Matthew tells us,

you will call his name ‘Jesus,’ because he will save his people from their sins.”

Notice this verse is very clear Jesus will save his people from their sins, their is no doubt about it. The whole thrust of scripture is that god will save his elect people. This is shown in the law(especially the sacrificial law) and the prophets.

We notice here that God’s grace is invincible, the sovereignty of God’s grace should be a comfort to weak sinners like us. What he has decided will be accomplished. We kneel before the Lamb and praise him for his eternal love, knowing that we are in the hands of the God who loves us. God will never let us go because he has loved us with an everlasting love.