He Died for Me: Limited Atonement & the Universal Gospel

by Jeffrey D. Johnson

LIMITED ATONEMENT & THE UNIVERSAL OFFER OF THE GOSPELClearly outlining the historical and theological differences between Hyper-Calvinism, High-Calvinism, Moderate-Calvinism, and Low-Calvinism, Jeffrey D. Johnson provides a robust yet concise explanation of how the universal and free offer of the gospel is congruent with the doctrine of limited atonement.What Others Are Saying About He Died for Me...Jeffrey Johnson’s He Died for Me is a worthy participant in the ongoing discussion on the extent of the atonement. He particularly offers useful theological and historical insights into the universal aspect of the work of Christ as per the generally accepted formula “sufficient for all, efficient only for the elect.” Those involved in the debate should read this monograph as they fine tune what they believe to be the true Biblical and Reformed position." —Curt Daniel, Pastor, Faith Bible Church, Springfield, IL"Lack of historical perspective and careful nuance often hamper discussions and debates on the extent of the atonement. This is true among Calvinists and non-Calvinists. That’s why you need to read He Died for Me. In this book Jeffrey Johnson revives the old Lombardian distinction between limited efficacy and universal sufficiency, and he assesses the various ways the Reformed tradition has sought to harmonize the two. Next, Johnson seeks to move the conversation forward by relating the question of the atonement’s extent to the doctrine of union with Christ. In so doing, he makes an excellent case for a moderate Calvinism that lays a solid basis for the free (and sincere) offer of the gospel. I highly recommend it!" —Bob Gonzales, Dean, Reformed Baptist Seminary, Sacramento, CAJeffrey Johnson describes his latest book, He Died for Me, as essentially about an “in-house debate among Calvinists,” and that it is. But I think even non-Calvinists would learn a great deal from this book. It is an excellent introduction to the historical debate concerning the efficacy and sufficiency of the atonement that ought to be read by anyone interested in the issue. Whether one agrees with Jeff’s final answer or not, he or she will certainly come away with a better understanding of the issue, both biblically and historically, and, no doubt a better understanding of his or her own position as well. As for me, I approached the book with a fairly high degree of skepticism, but it surprised me in several ways. First of all, I was surprised to discover that I did not understand the historical background of the debate nearly as a well as I thought I did. Second, I was surprised to discover that I hadn’t been nearly as consistent in my thinking on the matter as I thought I had been. And third, I was surprised that the book won me over; Jeff convinced me of his position. The book is also written in a very clear and accessible way. So, to say the least, I highly recommend it. Even if you are not convinced by Jeff’s arguments in the end, you will still certainly learn a lot from the book. However, you may just end up being as surprised as I was—you may just end up agreeing with it!" —Keith Troop, Pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church, Bloomington, ILJeffrey D. Johnson is the author of The Why Bother?, The Absurdity of Unbelief, and The Pursuit of Glory.

Genres: Theology

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2017

About the author

Jeff is the author of several Christian books, including the Amazon #1 Bestseller, The Church: Why Bother?

He is pastor/teacher of Grace Bible Church in Conway, Arkansas, a community where he also resides with his wife Letha and their two sons, Martyn and Christian.

Jeff graduated from Central Baptist College in Bible and earned his M. Rel. in Biblical Studies. He earned his Th.D in Systematics from Veritas Theological Seminary.

Along with his pastoral and publishing ministry, Jeff is a sought-after conference speaker and contributes regularly to the Reformed Baptist Blog.

Reviews

[Bob Schilling · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is very encouraging to see a Reformed Baptist author defend the Moderate Calvinist position on the extent of the atonement. It'll be interesting to see if there's a reactionary "Position Paper" published by ARBCA denouncing the universal sufficiency advocated here. Of course, Jeffrey Johnson is by no means the first Reformed theologian to advocate an atonement that is both universal in one regard, and limited in another. On the first page of the first chapter he makes reference to the historic "Lombardian Formula" - the famous statement articulated by Peter Lombard (1096-1164), that Christ's death is "sufficient for all, but efficient only for the elect." Universal sufficiency and limited efficacy. It is that position that Pastor Johnson outlines, explains and vindicates.

The formula originally meant, and was always taken to mean that Christ paid the price for the sins of the world, but that the saving benefits of the atonement were only applied to the elect. John Calvin and the first generation Reformers all embraced that "the death of Christ not only efficaciously secured the application of redemption for God's elect people, [but] it also brought a sufficient provision for the salvation of the non-elect" (pg. 57). But the Lombard formula "was modified by Calvin's successor, Theodore Beza" (pg. 57). Beza, John Owen, Frances Turretin and all in the stream of High Calvinism through A.W. Pink and Carl Trueman in our day, revised the formula and advocated a merely, hypothetical sufficiency: Christ's death would have been sufficient for all men IF God had so planned or ordained it to be so. When High Calvinists speak of Christ's death being sufficient for all, they mean that His death has infinite value, and that it could've saved zillions of worlds of sinners if God had so intended, but in their commitment to strict particularism they reject that Christ was actually a ransom for all, a satisfaction for the sins of the world.

Jeffrey Johnson's burden is to stipulate the implications of taking the formula the historic way or the revised way. Particularly, How does one's doctrine of the atonement influence one's evangelism? Chapters 5, 6, and 7 cover, the "Restricted Offer," "No Offer," and the "Free Offer" as the consequential results of the High Calvinist position (strict particularism), the Hyper-Calvinist position and the Moderate Calvinist position, respectively. "It is wrong, High Calvinists would argue, for evangelists to say, 'Christ died for you'...it would be asking reprobates to place their faith in something that was not true" (pg. 68). Moderate Calvinists, while holding to a limited efficacy, maintain a real and actual sufficiency, and on this basis preach openly the love of God for all sinners and the death of Christ as a real provision for them, if they will but believe. Thankfully many High Calvinists openly preach the Gospel, and the Cross as "the pulpit of God's love" to all sinners, but Johnson rightly challenges the warrant for such a free offer if Christ has not, indeed made satisfaction for all. As John Davenant rightly asserted, "A real call to believe presupposes an object prepared in which to believe" (pg. 143).

Chapter 10 is a helpful critique, with the aid of many Reformed theologians of John Owen's quantitative view of the atonement and his famous "trilemma." Owen's position proves too much. The death of Christ does not immediately save anyone. Redemption, though accomplished on the cross, must be applied through faith. Even the elect, prior to their conversion are under the wrath of God (John 3:36; Eph. 2:3), they are not united to Christ personally, until they are justified through faith. "It is possible for Christ to be be a sufficient sacrifice for unbelievers without the sacrifice being automatically applied to them" (pg. 126).

The "Case for Universal Sufficiency," chapter 11, is especially powerful. In preaching the Gospel, we are preaching the cross. We can't disjoin the death of Christ from the good news we are preaching to them. More than that, God is making His "appeal through us" (2 Cor. 5:20). On what basis is God promising eternal life and salvation to all people, if Christ has not in any sense died for them? "For this reason, John Bunyan was right when he said, 'For the the offer of the gospel cannot, with God's allowance, be offered any further than the death of Jesus Christ doth go; because if that be taken away, there is indeed no gospel.'" (pg. 142)

In an Appendix, Jeffrey Johnson lists some representative Hypers, Highs, Moderates and a fourth category of what he describes as "Low Calvinists." He seems to be in error in listing Amyraut, John Preston and James Ussher as "Low Calvinists." His list of Moderates is also a bit misleading - guys like Candlish and Berkhof still held to an exclusively limited atonement.

His final chapter, bringing it all together on "The Lombardian Formula" I found to be compelling. Some helpful quotes reinforce his case.

This is a good book, I'm glad to see it, but I don't think it is as helpful as it could have been. Lots of quotes, lots of data, but not as carefully explained at points as it should have been. I found myself wondering if all the history and representations were always accurate - especially after looking at the Appendix. There were places where I felt that High Calvinists will legitimately take issue with his representations of them, but those occasions were few. Kudos to the attempt and accomplishment brother.

For anyone seeking to examine the case for Moderate Calvinism, I would also heartily recommend that you pick up David Allen's, "The Extent of the Atonement: A Historical and Critical Review." Johnson refers to it - it is 800 pages of very helpful material. I hope that his book encourages many to examine other important texts like John Davenant's, "Dissertation on the Death of Christ," or G. Michael Thomas', "The Extent of the Atonement: A Dilemma for Reformed Theology from Calvin to the Consensus," and "The Atonement Controversy" by Owen Thomas.

I join Curt Daniel, Bob Gonzales and Keith Throop in recommending this small title by Jeffrey Johnson - may his tribe increase.

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

Solid. Biblical. A helpful guide to understanding the scope and efficacy of the atonement. Thank you Jesus! Thank you Mr. Johnson!

[Michael Wojcik · Rating 5 out of 5]

In consideration of the 5 points, Limited Atonement appears to be the most wavered-upon by individuals concerning Calvinistic theology. After reading Johnson's short treatise on the nature of the atonement, I discovered two things: 1) I felt the conclusions I had already drawn about the atonement affirmed, albeit with better verbiage (e.g., the Lombardian distinction - that the atonement is universally sufficient but limited in its efficacy), and 2) I felt the doctrine of Limited Atonement as a theological disposition not DIScouraging towards evangelism, but ENcouraging. If you've ever wondered how one can sincerely extend an invitation to respond to the Gospel believing in doctrines such as Limited Atonement and Election, then this book will serve you well.

Johnson articulates this complex theological idea in an accessible fashion, drawing sources from a range of familiar and unfamiliar theologians, all the while convincing you that he's done his homework on the issue. His arguments are linear and easy to follow throughout each chapter. If you desire to better understand the nature of the atonement and communicate it effectively to others (all the while acknowledging this is an in-house discussion for Calvinists / theologically interested folk) this book will equip you to do so.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helped me think about the history of the doctrinal development amongst Calvinist and how some view these things differently. However, I did find my self disagreeing with the exposition of the Corinthian passages, as well as Johnson's take on John Owen, amongst other things. So grateful to have read this as a spring board to dig deeper. Have a lot of respect for Johnson. Of particular help in dissecting the issues are Rex Semrad's articles on the CBTS blog. I followed up this read with Andrew Fuller's The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation, John Murray's Redemption Accomplished and Applied, The Death of Death by Owen, Particular Redemption by John Hurrion, and a re-read of Dr. Waldron's book on the Crux of The Free Offer of the Gospel.

[James Ruley · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does one reconcile God's sovereignty in election and Scripture passages that teach that the gospel is freely offered for all? In this work, Johnson provides historical and theological perspective on this difficult question, ultimately settling on the Lombardian formula, which propounds that Christ's death was sufficient for all, but efficient only for the elect. What sets this work apart, in my book, is that Johnson is clear and fair minded to opposing conclusions throughout the work. Whether you agree with his conclusion or not, this book provides a great introduction to this theological thicket.

[Adam Kareus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very concise but deep dive into the concept of Limited Atonement and seeks to answer the question "How can the death of Christ be actually sufficient for all if it is efficacious for only the elect, and how can the gospel be a sincere promise of salvation to all if Christ did not effectively die for all?"
Johnson is seeking to reconcile both halves of the Lombardian formula which states that Christ's death is both limited in its efficacy and universal in its sufficiency. He makes a very good case which draws out the many different poisitions that theologians have taken on this throughout history.

[Andrew Mcneill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnson has written a concise but very helpful book on limited atonement. Many books on limited atonement are confusing and doubtless contributes to the widespread rejection of the doctrine. Johnson, however, very clear shows that the nature of the atonement is such that while it is efficacious only for the elect, it is sufficient for the whole world and is the ground of a universal gospel. Excellent.

[Michael Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This is the best book on the distinctions within Calvinism, showing how Hyper, High, Moderate, and Low Calvinists have sought to understand the nature of the atonement and the offer of the Gospel. The last chapter brings the considerations together in a very well-thought explanation of the Lombardian Formula as not merely a paradoxical statement to be believed but based on the believer's threefold union with Christ.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had low expectations of this book and so was pleasantly surprised to discover an excellent primer on the question of limited atonement that packs a great deal into a short book. A worthwhile defense of a moderate version of the sufficiency/efficiency distinction that avoids some of the pitfalls of other positions, while not distorting the “high Calvinist” view. Especially recommended to those who have only read Owen or fans of him and think that he presents all the logical choices.

[Gary Good · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed with this book, but that may be because I had unwarranted expectations.

The author does a thorough job of explaining the historical and theological differences between the view of limited atonement held by Hyper-, High-, Moderate-, and Low-Calvinism. He presents each position fairly, with an abundance of quotations from various theologians. However, he quotes very little Scripture to support limited atonement, in general, much less any of the particular positions. I was hoping for an argument derived from Scripture, rather than philosophical musings.

[Brandon Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the way that this book was written. Instead of trying to persuade readers to come to his side of the fence, the author takes a historical look at the variations of reformed thought concerning the atonement. This book was very informative yet readable.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-Written

Good treatment of the subject. I appreciated the engagement and distinctions made between the different variants of Calvinism. May we continue to dig into this great mystery of the Gospel.

[Jim Korth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

Of the Doctrines of Grace, particular redemption, aka limited atonement, has always been the most difficult for me. Among most my Reformed brethren this has been a slam dunk default because the other four force it; however, in He Died for Me, Jeffrey Johnson provides a wonderful historical survey of the issue and discusses the various nuances of the doctrine.

The book includes excellent end notes and also identifies the various positions held by theologians past and present. The author has his own position, but treats all the others fairly. One's position on this matter does not have to be one of contention dividing brothers, but one of intriguing dialog as we seek to better understand our great salvation.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

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One of the more complex works on inter-Calvinistic debates that I have read. This book would be helped by further editing and formatting, as well as more explanation with less subdivisions. It would also be helped by less scapegoating arguments towards high Calvinists. Overall, his argument for strict Calvinism was forceful, but I remain unconvinced.

[Esther Hunte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear argument

Really good summary of the differences among Calvinist in terms of salvation and missions. I think his conclusion was well argued.