Sovereign Grace Doctrines
Concerning 'THE GOSPEL' - JESUS CHRIST
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One often hears from Arminians that the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ was "sufficient for all, but efficient for only some."
It is most certain that His atoning sacrifice was efficient for only some of mankind: only those who will by God's grace trust in it (Romans 3:21-26), not those who will refuse (Revelation 21:8).
When Arminians say the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ was "sufficient for all," they mean He attempted to make atonement for every individual. Since it is evident that not every individual will enjoy the fruits of His atoning sacrifice, Arminians must admit that, according to their scheme, His atonement was "sufficient for all, but efficient for only some, and inefficient for all the rest."
This Arminian doctrine is gross heresy. It both admits an inefficiency in Christ's atonement -- what a repugnant thought! -- and contradicts the Biblical teaching that "sufficiency = efficiency"! The blood of Christ was shed only for those who will believe. It was not wasted on those who will refuse to believe. It is in no way inefficient!
1) "Sufficiency = efficiency" in the ministry of Jesus Christ as sin-bearer (Hebrews 9:28,26). As for sufficiency, "Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many" (v.28). As for efficiency, "He has ... put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (v.26). No one whose sins Christ bore will die in his sins.
2) "Sufficiency = efficiency" in the redemption paid by Jesus Christ. As for sufficiency, He came "to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). As for efficiency, the "many" are identified as "the church of God which He purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28), and those for whom He has "obtained eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:12). No one for whom Christ paid the price of redemption will perish unredeemed.
3) "Sufficiency = efficiency" in the ministry of Jesus Christ in remitting sins (Matthew 26:28). As for sufficiency, He declared "My blood of the new covenant ... is shed for many." As for efficiency, this "many" receives "the remission of sins." The "many" who receive this forgiveness are identified as the chosen and predestined people of God, every one who will believe the gospel and trust in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14). No one for whom Christ shed His blood will perish with his sins unremitted.
4) "Sufficiency = efficiency" in the justification obtained by Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:8,11). As for sufficiency, God declares, "For the transgressions of My people He was stricken" (v.8). As for efficiency, God declares, "My righteous Servant shall justify many [those whom God calls "My people" in v.8], for He shall bear their iniquities" (v.11). No one for whom Christ suffered and died will die and perish unjustified.
5) "Sufficiency = efficiency" in the saving love of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27). As for sufficiency, "Christ ... loved the church and gave Himself for it" (v.25). As for efficiency, He will by His loving sacrifice for His church "sanctify and cleanse it ..., that it should be holy and without blemish" (vv.26f). He does not possess this love for those who will never cease their rebellion against Him (Psalm 5:5f; Romans 9:13). He therefore did not waste a drop of His "precious blood" (1 Peter 1:19) for their redemption.
6) "Sufficiency = efficiency" in the ministry of Jesus Christ as the good shepherd (John 10:11ff). As for sufficiency, He declared, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep" (vv.11,15), not for those of whom He says "you are not of My sheep" (vv.25f). As for efficiency, His ministry as the good shepherd has obtained eternal life and security for all for whom He died (v.27-30; cp. 17:1-4). He wastes no time or effort for those who will never believe.
Christ's sufficiency = eternal efficiency apart from any inefficiency! "Hallelujah! What a Savior!"
Your servant for Jesus' sake.
Address all questions to pastor
Daniel E. Parks (2 Corinthians 4:5) e-mail RedeemerBC@aol.com
Pastor, Redeemer Baptist Church
2801 Cleveland Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40206 / 502.899-9205
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