The Death Christ Died

by Robert P. Lightner

The resurgence of covenant Reformed theology raises again the long-standing debate concerning the extent of the atonement-limited or unlimited? Lightner addresses the question, Who did Christ die for? Accepting the position of limited atonement affects the way in which the Gospel is presented.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction

171 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Lightner deals with a very difficult, emotional and controversial issue. He tries very hard to deal even handedly with both sides, which he does very well. He also seeks to avoid using straw man arguments to make his point and bolster his position, this is most helpful and I respect him for this. I do think at times though he misrepresents the Calvinist position, I do not think he does so maliciously but nonetheless he does and when it is important to be as precise as possible this is problematic.
In the end the issue is not resolved (though Dr. Lightner believes it is) and I doubt anyone will change their position. However I do believe that this book is valuable, should be read and does make a good contribution to the ongoing discussion concerning the extent of the atonement.

[Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent defense of unlimited atonement. Dr. Lightner develops an Arminian understanding of the atonement (though he rejects the term). His exegesis of the key texts for both unlimited and limited atonement are excellent. I greatly appreciate his interaction with Calvinists in the book.

My only reason for not giving this book five stars is Lightner's false statements in the book on Arminianism and his rejection of Lordship salvation. These two points kept me from giving the book five stars. However, for Arminians who want to grow in their knowledge of the atonement of Christ and the fact that Jesus shed His blood for all sinners should read this book.

[Drew Tenpas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this book makes a strong case for unlimited atonement. Unlimited atonement teaches that when Christ went to the cross, he went there to die for every person, not just the elect. Joseph M. Stowell writes "This book is priority reading for all, no matter what view of the extent of the atonement is held...We commend this volume for prayerful study to every lover of the word of God." I would agree, this book is priority reading!

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surprisingly more advanced than anticipated after reading "Sin, The Savior, and Salvation" by the same author.

What can I say... another book on moderate Calvinism. They seem to misunderstand the Arminians, Calvinists, and the inconsistencies of moderate Calvinism itself.

Lightner ultimately rejects limited atonement. Nice... just 4 points short.

[Chad · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting read. Helpful for understanding differing perspectives.

[Tim Suffield · Rating 2 out of 5]

In some ways this book puts forward a reasonable argument, its biggest failing is that it's arguing against a strong man. The position Lightner sets out to combat is named 'strict Calvinism' (by which he means what we normally call 'high Calvinism'), except that as he describes its tenets it moves variously into hyper Calvinism and beyond into caricature before swinging back.

He describes his own position as 'moderate Calvinism' and sets himself out as a '4-pointer', despite the fact that what he describes is a sort of modified Amyraldianism and he's only left with two 'points' (U & P if you were wondering). That doesn't mean he's wrong, but its historical naivety and internal inconsistency make it hard to give his views a fair hearing.

His dispensationalism doesn't help either. Not the best example of an argument for this view, look elsewhere.