Why Christ Came at Christmas 4

First, the total depravity of man
Second, the unconditional election of God

God’s three choices in regards to the salvation of man:
#1: God could have saved everyone
#2: God could have saved no one
#3: God could have saved some

The New Testament is clear about God sovereignly choosing individuals to salvation:
#1: Paul was very clear about it
#2: Luke was very clear about it
#3: Jesus was very clear about it

Third, the limited atonement of Christ

Two opposing views of the atonement:

Unlimited atonement

Christ died and paid for the sins of all men without exception in order to make every person’s salvation possible, but His death did not make certain or guarantee any particular person’s salvation

Limited atonement

Christ died and paid for the sins of the elect only with the expressed purpose of His death making certain and securing the elect’s salvation

In the limited atonement view:

Christ’s death is sufficient for all but efficient for the elect

The atonement from different perspectives:

#1: Church history
Augustine, John Calvin, London Confession of 1644, Article 17, Westminster Confession of 1646, chapter 8, article 5, Helvetic Confession of 1675, Charles Spurgeon 1800

#2: Theological consistency
A. Christ’s representation
B. Christ’s redemption
C. Christ’s imputation
D. Christ’s frustration

#3: Biblical testimony
Christ’s purpose and intention in coming
Christ’s reconciliation of believers to God
Christ’s death for believers alone