It may be well to quote here a few passages of Scripture in which the
doctrine of universal Atonement is stated with all clearness. It is
stated again and again without any ambiguity that Christ died for all.
It is said that "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours
only, but also for the sins of the whole world." It is said that "He
gave Himself a ransom for all," It is said that He "tasted death for
every man." We read that "the Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all."
These are but a few of many passages in which the great idea is set
forth. Language could not be plainer. Jesus died for the sins of the
whole race.
Now the question arises: Will He not find some way of redeeming every
soul for which He died? Would He die for the world, and then permit any
of the world to perish? Let us remember that He has ways and means of
overcoming opposition without doing any violence to human freedom. We
instanced the conversion of Saul of Tarsus to prove that point. What He
did in that case He can do in others.
BUT A PASSING EPOCH.
Let us remember that He knew well the magnitude of the task He had
undertaken. Let us remember that He does nothing in vain. Let us
remember that His love, and power, and purpose have undergone no change.
And let us remember that this little span of time is but a passing epoch
in His administration. He can complete in a future age what He commenced
in this age. Nay, not commenced; for His purpose dates back from the
eternal past. He is "the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world."
When we take this larger view, it is not difficult to believe literally
that "His mercy endureth forever," and that it will find scope for its
operation so long as one soul remains in alienation from Him. If you
have been brought up to the narrower view, and if you have held that
view for long years, it may be enlarged in a moment. One flash of divine
illumination can reveal wonders of redeeming love.
We might go on at a great length in citing Scripture statements that
have really no meaning apart from God's gracious design to men in a
future age. Certainly Scripture is the paramount authority, and some
will take it as superior to all reason on a question like this. But
there are those who do not accord to Scripture the supreme authority;
they rely more on reason and common sense; and I am hopeful they will
read these remarks. For their sake I will submit some considerations
from reason that may come closer home.
* * * * *
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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