Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Doyle  Its been said so many times, "if you were the only man on earth, Jesus would have died for you." Obviously this statement is chocked full of error but outside of that, as I was explaining to a newer Christian the doctrine of the atonement, it became fascinating to me as I was trying myself to piece together a succinct statement. That which I was pondering, and forgive the questions lucidness as I am having trouble articulating it, is such:
Did the atonement take place for individuals alone or did it take place more from a corporate position, meaning, Christs death was for the church? Does this make sense?
As I was explaining this to this individual, it seemed to make sense that Christs death was for the elect only in that He died exclusively for His church, therefore eliminating the personal element that is so frequently quoted in this age. By personal element, I mean, he died for all so that we may, on an individual basis, come to Him. I hope thats clear enough |
Hi Michael,
I believe Christ's atonement and death was
substitutional. He died in my stead. He paid my death sentence which I deserved due to my sins. He redeemed me from judgment and punishment in Hell by taking upon Himself God's wrath against my sins. And included, were the deaths of all those the Father gave Him to save; the elect; which corporately make up His Church.
It was all very personal; for I believe I, and every member of His spiritual body (church) was loved and individually named, even before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:3-5; Revelation 20:15)