Who Did Jesus Die For? A Biblical Perspective

Who Did Jesus Die For? A Biblical Perspective

One of the most debated questions in Christian theology is, “For whom did Christ die?” While it may seem like a simple question with an obvious answer, it is actually more complex than most people realize. The truth is, there are different views on the matter, and each has its own biblical basis. In this article, we will explore the different perspectives on this question and examine the biblical evidence for each.

The Arminian View: Jesus Died for All

The Arminian view, named after the Dutch theologian Jacob Arminius, asserts that Jesus died for all people, without exception. According to this view, God desires the salvation of all, and Christ’s death made it possible for anyone to be saved. This is often referred to as the unlimited atonement view.

Arminians base their belief on several passages in the Bible, such as John 1:29, which says, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” and John 3:16, which says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” They argue that the word “world” in these verses means every single person, without exception.

Another passage that Arminians point to is 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, which says, “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” According to this passage, Christ died for all, and as a result, all have died. This means that Christ’s death has significance for every person, not just a select few.

Arminians also appeal to 1 Timothy 2:4-6, which says, “God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” This passage indicates that God desires the salvation of all people, and Christ’s death is a ransom for all.

The Calvinist View: Jesus Died for the Elect

The Calvinist view, named after the French theologian John Calvin, asserts that Jesus died only for the elect, those whom God has chosen for salvation. According to this view, Christ’s death was a limited atonement, intended only for those whom God has predestined to be saved.

Calvinists base their belief on several passages in the Bible, such as John 10:11, which says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” They argue that the word “sheep” in this verse refers to the elect, those whom God has chosen for salvation. They also appeal to Ephesians 5:25, which says, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” According to Calvinists, the word “her” in this verse refers to the church, which is composed of the elect.

Another passage that Calvinists point to is Romans 8:29-30, which says, “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” According to this passage, God has predestined certain people to be saved, and Christ’s death was intended only for them.

Calvinists also appeal to the doctrine of election, which is taught in several passages in the Bible, such as Ephesians 1:4-5, which says, “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” This passage indicates that God has chosen certain people to be saved, and Christ’s death was intended only for them.

The Amyraldian View: Jesus Died for All, but Only the Elect Will Be Saved

The Amyraldian view, named after the French theologian Moïse Amyraut, is a middle ground between the Arminian and Calvinist views. According to this view, Jesus died for all people, but his death is effective only for the elect, those whom God has chosen for salvation.

Amyraldians base their belief on several passages in the Bible, such as 1 John 2:2, which says, “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” They argue that the word “world” in this verse means every single person, without exception. They also appeal to 1 Timothy 4:10, which says, “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” According to this passage, God is the Savior of all people, but especially of those who believe.

Another passage that Amyraldians point to is 2 Peter 3:9, which says, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” According to this passage, God desires the salvation of all people, but not all will repent and be saved.

Conclusion

So, who did Jesus die for? The answer depends on which theological view you adopt. Arminians believe that Jesus died for all people, Calvinists believe that Jesus died only for the elect, and Amyraldians believe that Jesus died for all people, but his death is effective only for the elect.

While each view has its own biblical basis, the truth is that we cannot fully understand the nature of Christ’s death and its effects. As 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”

What we do know is that Christ’s death was a sacrifice for sin, and it was sufficient to save all who repent and believe in him. As Hebrews 10:10 says, “And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

In the end, the question of who Jesus died for should not divide us, but rather unite us in our gratitude for the salvation that we have in him. As Romans 8:32 says, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”