Topical Bible: The Atonement: Foreordained

Bible > Topical > The Atonement

◄ The Atonement: Foreordained ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the atonement being foreordained is deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of God's eternal plan for salvation. This doctrine emphasizes that the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ was not a reactionary measure but a predetermined act within God's sovereign will, established before the foundation of the world.

Scriptural Basis

The foreordination of the atonement is supported by several key passages in Scripture. In 1 Peter 1:19-20 , the apostle Peter writes, "but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot. He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake." This passage highlights that Christ's sacrificial role was established before creation, underscoring the eternal nature of God's redemptive plan.

Similarly, Ephesians 1:4-5 states, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." Here, the apostle Paul affirms that God's choice and predestination of believers in Christ were part of His divine purpose from eternity past.

Theological Implications

The foreordination of the atonement reflects the omniscience and omnipotence of God, who orchestrates history according to His divine will. It assures believers of the certainty and reliability of God's promises, as His plan for salvation is not contingent upon human actions or historical events but is rooted in His eternal decree.

This doctrine also emphasizes the centrality of Christ in God's redemptive work. As the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8), Jesus is the focal point of God's plan, and His atoning sacrifice is the means by which humanity is reconciled to God. The foreordained nature of the atonement underscores the sufficiency and exclusivity of Christ's work on the cross.

Historical Context

Throughout church history, the foreordination of the atonement has been a topic of theological reflection and debate. Early church fathers, such as Augustine, emphasized God's sovereign will in the salvation of humanity. The Reformation further solidified this understanding, with reformers like John Calvin articulating the doctrine of predestination, which includes the foreordained nature of Christ's atoning work.

Practical Application

For believers, the foreordination of the atonement provides profound assurance and comfort. It affirms that their salvation is secure in the eternal purposes of God, independent of their own merit or effort. This understanding fosters a deep sense of gratitude and worship, as believers recognize the magnitude of God's love and grace in orchestrating their redemption through Christ.

Moreover, this doctrine encourages a life of holiness and obedience, as believers are called to live in accordance with God's eternal purposes. Knowing that they are part of a divine plan that transcends time and history, Christians are motivated to align their lives with God's will, reflecting the transformative power of the atonement in their daily walk.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 3:25
Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 1:11,20
Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 13:8
And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Remonstrance.
... They relate to predestination, the extent of the atonement, the nature of faith ... even
before the creation of man, by an unchangeable decree, foreordained some to ...
/.../ 66 the remonstrance.htm

The Westminster Standards in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
... teaches on the one hand conditional election and unlimited atonement, and on the ...
of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes ...
/.../ 99 the westminster standards.htm

The Confessional Statement of the United Presbyterian Church of ...
... Such expressions as elect persons, elect infants, foreordained, imputed, decree
of election ... the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the atonement, the Gospel ...
/.../the confessional statement of the.htm

Andover Orthodox Creed.
... GOD, and he alone, by his sufferings and death, has made atonement for the ... counsel
of his own will, and for his own glory, hath foreordained whatsoever comes ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/andover orthodox creed.htm

Zwingli's Distinctive Doctrines.
... only those who hear the Gospel and reject it in unbelief are foreordained to eternal ...
consists in a renewed application of the benefits of the atonement by the ...
/.../ 52 zwinglis distinctive doctrines.htm

The Gospel Cordial
... loving heavenly Father has foreseen, foreknown, and I venture to say, foreordained
it all. ... they give an offering unto the Lord, to make an atonement for your ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the gospel cordial.htm

Calvin's Work.
... belongs only to the person and work of Christ"the incarnation and the atonement. ...
the eternal and unchangeable decree of God by which he foreordained, for his ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 57 calvins work.htm

Analysis of the Westminster Confession.
... blasphemous doctrine (so often unjustly and unscrupulously charged upon Calvinism)
that God from eternity foreordained men for ... [1478] The term atonement is not ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 95 analysis of the.htm

Acts XIII
... so often attached to sin offerings, "The priest shall make an atonement for him ... If
it be true that "as many as were foreordained to eternal life believed ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xiii.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... glorious reality of the "One Sacrifice" that had been foreordained would have ... First,
atonement ([Hebrew: kaper]"[Greek: chatallage].) "The idea that seems to ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm