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220 ♦ Bible Writers' Theology Chapter Eight
ness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them...so that they are without excuse" (Romans 1:17-20). Surely these are those who refuse to enter the open door of election God gra ciously provides for all mankind. The Bible declares, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11).
However, whereas the elect includes all those who receive the message of salvation through Christ, God can also in His sovereign will choose certain people from among the called out saints for a special ministry. In the Old Testament, God raised men like Noah, Abram, Moses, David, and prophets of Israel for a specific purpose in a particular context. In the New Testament, Paul has revealed that God Himself selects men for the five-fold ministry of
apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, and teachers to edify His church.
B Christ Died for the Whole World
This is clear from several passages of the scripture. John the Baptist, see ing Jesus coming towards him, proclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" Gohn 1:29; 3:16-18). This is the
goodnewsforallmankind. Paulstatedthat,"...themanChristJesus;...gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (I Timothy 2:5-6). He also told that "the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to
all men" (Titus 2:11). In the epistle to the Hebrews, it is declared that the main purpose of Christ's crucifixion was to "taste death for every man" (Hebrews2:9) fortheLordis"notwillingthatanyshouldperish,butthat
allshouldcometorepentance"(IIPeter3:9). TrulyJesusChrist"...isthepro pitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (I John 2:2). Christ died to take the book and to open the seals to redeem us to God by his blood, from every kindred, and tongue, and
people and nations. (See Revelation 5:8-10).
We conclude that the atonement is unlimited in the sense that it is avail able for all, but all need to believe and accept it. There is no scriptural evi dence that declares that Christ died only for the elect.
C Kinsman Redeemer or The Lamb of God? The Mystery of Atonement
In order to understand the mystery of the atonement, we should read pas sages such as:
• "Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For