Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 181:722 (Apr 2024)
Article: The Efficacy Of The Cross And Limited Atonement
Author: Scott J. Kaczorowski

BSac 181:722 (April-June 2024) p. 159

The Efficacy Of The Cross And Limited Atonement

Scott J. Kaczorowski

Scott J. Kaczorowski is Senior Pastor at River Cities Christian Church in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

Abstract

This article critiques a key argument of the doctrine of limited atonement—that the atonement possesses an intrinsic universal efficacy and therefore is offered only for the elect. This argument is examined and found to be lacking because it does not take all the biblical data into account, it inches into contradiction, and at times it misunderstands “hypothetical.” The article concludes by noting a theological parallel with effectual calling. An efficacious atonement would not necessarily establish limited atonement any more than an effectual calling would rule out a general call.

The consensus among Reformed thinkers today is that Jesus died only for the elect. Every family has black sheep, however, and the Reformed tradition is no different. Amyraldians and various other hypothetical universalists have demurred from the consensus, holding that the extent of the atonement is universal in principle but not in point of actual application.1 This article engages this inner-Calvinistic dialogue.

BSac 181:722 (April-June 2024) p. 160

Reformed thinkers who support limited or definite atonement (hereafter L/DA) have marshaled various arguments from the realms of systematic theology and philosophical theology to make their case. This article evaluates various versions of one key argument for L/DA: the argument from “the efficacy of the cross.”2 Specifically, since the atonement is effectual, then it must be limited to the elect or all would be saved.3 Before we examine this argument in detail, however, we must ask: What does efficacy mean when applied to the atonement?

What Does Efficacy Mean?

In the twelfth century Lombard made a distinction that set the tone for theological discussion of the atonement ever since.4 He distinguished between atonement’s sufficiency and its efficiency. By sufficiency Lombard is typically understood to be referring to the value of the atonement. Since Christ’s life is of infinite value and his death of infinite worth, the value of the atonement was more than sufficient for the sins of every person. But for Lombard, the atonement’s efficiency was a matter of actually achieving salvation. This is a benefit enjoyed only by the elect, those saved by the cross. Theolo...