Introduction: Those who have lost a child, and especially a very young child, have experienced perhaps the greatest grief a parent can go through. None of us who has escaped that experience can appreciate the depth of that grief. For Christian parents, there is the assurance that our sovereign and merciful God is still in control, but the nagging question remains, “Is our infant in heaven?” While this question has vested personal interests, it also has profound theological implications. It has implications for the way we think about God, the work of Christ, the doctrine of sin, and especially the doctrine of salvation. I have yet to hear a protestant clergyman say that the deceased infant is in hell rather than heaven because s/he did not accept Christ as personal savior. All desire the best for the dead child. But upon what basis is that hope placed?
Introduction: This question has been asked for many years and has caused considerable division in the Christian community. Many say, “Why of course, Christ died for everyone.” Others have responded by saying, “No, Christ died only for the elect.” Major denominations have divided over this question. “Did God intend to save only the elect in the death of Christ or provide salvation for everyone?” Passionate defenses on each side of the issue have been offered. Frequently, tensions are so strong on this issue that one side does not hear what the other is saying.
Introduction: This question has been asked for many years and has caused considerable division in the Christian community. Many say, “Why of course, Christ died for everyone.” Others have responded by saying, “No, Christ died only for the elect.” Major denominations have divided over this question. “Did God intend to save only the elect in the death of Christ or provide salvation for everyone?” Passionate defenses on each side of the issue have been offered. Frequently, tensions are so strong on this issue that one side does not hear what the other is saying. Each feels justified in her/his view and often refuses to look at the other’s argument. Not a few have stated that both are true and then dismissed the subject without seeing the inconsistency of their logic. Such approaches are not good theological methodology, nor are they to be commended as intellectually credible. This morning I want to examine this topic by taking a closer look at Romans 5:12-19 to see how each side of the issue has a point worth considering. I am not suggesting a compromise of the two views, but rather I am suggesting how a different model might reveal a richer understanding of the intention God had in mind in sending His Son to die on the cross. There is an extensive literature on this topic and probably much more thorough than most of you want to wade through. Years ago I published an academic paper on this very topic if you care to examine it more thoroughly. (Simply Google “Two Aspects in the Design of Christ’s Atonement” if you want to read further on this issue.) But for today I want to offer a skeletal outline of my view and the scriptural logic supporting it.
