Isaiah 53 & Definite Atonement

There are many individuals who believe that the doctrine of particular redemption or definite atonement cannot be substantiated biblically. They argue that the bible simply does not teach that the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ actually saves those for whom it was offered but mingle the intellectual assent of man in the mix. The idea that there are no texts that teach definite atonement is a mere caricature. There are a number of texts that could be examined to demonstrate the biblical doctrine of the atonement especially in light of its particularity. We think of texts such as John 10 and Revelation chapter 5 as clear examples of this blessed doctrine amongst many others.

Recently I had purchased from Faithful Servant Books a small booklet by W.E. Best on the examination of definite atonement from another proof text mainly the text of Isaiah 53. Best does a remarkable job at demonstrating that the suffering servants death would in fact be a perfect sacrifice that could not fail. It would actually purchase and redeem men for God and that this death would be victorious. I was pleased to see that the book is now available online in PDF for those who wish to read through Best’s exegesis and analysis of Isaiah 53.

John Murray Quote

“If Christ and therefore salvation in its fullness and perfection- is offered, the only doctrine of the atonement that will ground and warrant this overture is that of salvation wrought and redemption accomplished. And the only atonement that measures up to such conditions is a definite atonement. In other words, an atonement construed as providing the possibility of salvation or the opportunity of salvation does not supply the basis required for what constitutes the gospel offer. It is not the opportunity of salvation that is offered; it is salvation. And it is salvation because Christ is offered and Christ does not invite us to mere opportunity but to Himself.”

– John Murray

Book Review: From Heaven He Came and Sought Her

From Heaven He Came and Sought Her is a book that was released shortly before the end of 2013. It is a multi-author volume edited by David & Jonathan Gibson and published by Crossway. FHHCSH addresses the topic of Definite Atonement[i]. For those who are unfamiliar with Definite Atonement, it is the discussion of the extent, intent and effect of the atoning death of the Lord Jesus Christ. It deals with the questions for whom did Christ die, what did the Father and Son have in mind that the death of Christ would result in and what was that result after Christ’s death. The subject has been a controversial point amongst most Christian of the idea that the atonement was universal in its scope.

The book is an in-depth and rich look at the topic it addresses. It stands at close to 700 pages of actual materials spread out in 23 chapters and divided into four sections. The four sections are

• Definite Atonement and Church History
• Definite Atonement in the Bible
• Definite Atonement in Theological Perspective
• Definite Atonement in Pastoral Practice

I will give a brief overview of each chapter in the book and at the end of this review I would like to give a few general observations

Introduction

The foreword to the book was written by none other than J.I. Packer and anyone who knows me knows that I enjoy Packer especially his introductory essays. This portion was not disappointing to say the least and sets the tone for the rest of the book.

The opening chapter was an overview written by the editors David and Jonathan Gibson. They laid out some of the themes and topics that would be addressed throughout the book. I felt that they explained well by means of introduction to some of the arguments that would be laid out in future chapters as well as some opposing arguments that would be addressed. For someone who is not familiar with the whole discussion, this chapter will be essential.