Definite atonement
A view held among orthodox Christians
Christ died with the intention of actually securing the salvation of those the Father gave Him, and His death will save every one of them.
Also called: limited atonement, particular redemption, particular atonement
What it means
All Christians who hold to the gospel limit the atonement in some way: either in its extent, or in its effect. Definite atonement holds that Christ's death was designed by the Father and the Son to accomplish the salvation of a definite people, the elect. It did not merely make salvation possible for everyone; it actually purchased everything needed for the salvation of those for whom He died, including the faith by which they receive it.
Holders point to texts where Christ lays down His life for His sheep, gives Himself for His church, and ransoms people from every tribe and nation. They argue that if Christ bore the penalty for every sin of every person, God could not justly punish anyone for those sins again.
Definite atonement still affirms that Christ's death is of infinite worth, sufficient for the whole world, and that the gospel is to be offered freely to everyone. Many Christians who agree with the other points of Calvinism do not accept this one, and hold that Christ died for all people in some sense.
In Scripture
The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.
He will save His people from their sins.
God purchased the church with His own blood.
By His blood Christ purchased people for God from every tribe and nation.
Where it comes up
Confessions: WCF 8.5; WCF 8.8; LBCF 1689 8.8; Canons of Dort 2.8
Related terms
CalvinismA view held among orthodox Christians
The teaching that salvation is wholly God's work, from His choosing of sinners before creation to His keeping them to the end.
Four-point CalvinismA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that affirms total depravity, unconditional election, effectual calling, and perseverance, but holds that Christ died for all people rather than for the elect only.
AmyraldianismA view held among orthodox Christians
A view from the French Reformed tradition holding that God first decreed Christ's death for all people on condition of faith, and then elected some to be given that faith.
Penal substitutionary atonementHistoric orthodoxy
On the cross, Christ took the place of sinners and bore the penalty their sins deserved, satisfying God's justice so that He could forgive them.