What is you understanding of the history behind this theology? Would you say limited atonement is a legitimate doctrine that flows forth from the pages of Scripture?
Friday, March 25, 2011
Are you a Bezian?
Dr. Olson in "The Story of Christian Theology" states, "Beza and certain other Calvinists were obsessed with the doctrine of predestination more than Calvin himself ever had been...Beza and most other Calvinists also deduced the doctrine of limited atonement...though logical, cannot be found in Calvin himself." (pg. 457) So the question is not if you are a 5 point Calvinist but whether you are a 5 point Bezian. This doesn't seem to be a doctrine at all (deriving from scripture) but a philosophy that came from Beza's system. This is one of those times when I say - oops am I going against MacArthur?
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Paul,
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind Olson's theological presuppositions. It has been awhile since I read Olson, but I do remember His Arminian beliefs seeping out of some of the chapters. Olson's quote seems to betray theological bias on his part. I really learned from the book and enjoyed it though.
Maybe you can help us out Paul by stating what you believe Scripture teaches in regards to the intent and purpose(s) of the atonement. Do you believe that Jesus suffered God's wrath on behalf of unbelievers who are going to suffer God's wrath in hell?
It seems to me that one can hold to a particular atonement view (and make strong arguments from the Bible) and still conclude that the cross also held non-salvific benefits for the unregenerate.
Kyle