Ep 10. Limited Atonement

What Is Reformed Theology? is a documentary-style series that explores the core beliefs and practices of Reformed Christianity. Each episode examines a different aspect of Reformed theology, and features interviews with pastors, theologians, and scholars.

In season 1 episode 10, titled "Limited Atonement," the focus is on one of the more controversial aspects of Reformed theology: the doctrine of limited atonement. This doctrine holds that Christ's sacrifice on the cross was only intended to pay for the sins of the elect, that is, those who were predestined by God for salvation.

The episode begins with an overview of the doctrine of atonement itself, which teaches that Christ's death on the cross was a substitutionary sacrifice that paid the penalty for the sins of humanity. However, Reformed theology takes this a step further by emphasizing that salvation is entirely the work of God's grace, and that even our faith is a gift from God.

To understand the doctrine of limited atonement, the episode explores two key theological concepts related to it: election and redemption. Election refers to the idea that God chooses who will be saved, and that this choice is based solely on his own sovereign will. Redemption, on the other hand, is the act of buying something back, or paying a price to set someone free.

According to the doctrine of limited atonement, Christ's death on the cross was a payment specifically for the sins of the elect, and not for the sins of all humanity. The episode explores the biblical basis for this belief, and also examines some of the objections that have been raised against it.

Throughout the episode, a number of different voices are heard discussing the doctrine of limited atonement. These include pastor and theologian John Piper, scholar and pastor Sinclair Ferguson, and theologian Michael Horton. Each of these individuals brings their own perspective to the discussion, and helps to shed light on the complexities of this controversial doctrine.

The episode also includes some historical context, tracing the development of the doctrine from the time of the Reformation to the present day. It looks at how different theologians have wrestled with the idea of limited atonement, and how it has been received and rejected by different Christian traditions.

In the end, the episode does not provide easy answers or simple solutions to the questions it raises. Instead, it offers a nuanced and balanced exploration of a complex theological issue, and invites viewers to think deeply about their own beliefs and the implications of those beliefs.

Overall, season 1 episode 10 of What Is Reformed Theology? is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the doctrine of limited atonement, and will be of interest to anyone who wants to better understand this important aspect of Reformed theology.