Unlike the sacrifices that were offered under the Law of Moses, Jesus’ sacrifice was perfectly able to take away sins. Again, the sacrifices under the old law that were offered “continually” could never “take away sins” (Hebrews 10:1, 4). Yet Jesus’ sacrifice was just “one offering” that “perfected for all time those who are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). John wrote, “The blood of Jesus… cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

The effectiveness of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was for everyone. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This is different from what is taught in the Calvinist doctrine of “limited atonement” – the idea that Jesus did not die for the world, but only for the elect. Yet Paul wrote, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Titus 2:11). The salvation that was made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is open to everyone.

However, this salvation is conditional. Though God’s grace has “appeared…to all men” (Titus 2:11), we know that not all will be saved (Matthew 7:13-14). How can this be? The only way to harmonize these passages is by concluding that God offers salvation to everyone but will only save those who meet His conditions. Jesus said, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16). He is “to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9). Jesus’ crucifixion has made salvation available, but we must take advantage of this offer.

The above post is an excerpt from the book, Great Days in History: The Unfolding of the Scheme of Redemption by Andy Sochor. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!