Limited Atonement

Definition

Limited atonement is a theological doctrine that asserts that Christ's sacrificial death on the cross was intended to save only a specific group of people, rather than all humanity. This belief is a cornerstone of Reformed theology and emphasizes the idea that God's grace is selectively given to the elect, which significantly influenced Puritan beliefs and practices. In Puritan society, this doctrine shaped their views on salvation, church membership, and the moral responsibilities of individuals within their community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Limited atonement is one of the five points of Calvinism, commonly referred to as TULIP, where 'L' stands for limited atonement.
2. Puritans believed that understanding limited atonement was crucial for grasping the nature of God's mercy and justice.
3. The doctrine led to an emphasis on personal piety and self-examination, as individuals sought to determine whether they were among the elect.
4. In Puritan sermons, the concept of limited atonement often served as a warning against complacency in faith, encouraging followers to live a life reflecting their supposed election.
5. Limited atonement contributed to the Puritans' communal identity, reinforcing a sense of shared belief and purpose within their tightly-knit society.

Review Questions

• How does the doctrine of limited atonement influence Puritan views on personal piety and community responsibility?
  • The doctrine of limited atonement shaped Puritan views by emphasizing that salvation was reserved for a select few. This led to a heightened sense of personal piety, as individuals strived to demonstrate their faith and worthiness for salvation. Within the community, this belief reinforced collective responsibility among members to uphold moral standards and support one another in living lives reflective of their understanding of being among the elect.
• Analyze how limited atonement is related to other theological beliefs within Puritan society, such as total depravity and irresistible grace.
  • Limited atonement is closely linked to total depravity and irresistible grace within Puritan theology. Total depravity posits that human nature is so corrupted by sin that people cannot turn to God without divine help. This sets the stage for limited atonement, as it implies that only some are chosen by God for salvation. Irresistible grace complements this by asserting that those elected will inevitably come to faith through God's grace, further affirming the belief that Christ's sacrifice was specifically for the chosen few.
• Evaluate the impact of limited atonement on Puritan social structure and dynamics during colonial America.
  • The doctrine of limited atonement had significant implications for Puritan social structure in colonial America. It fostered an environment where believers were constantly evaluating their own spiritual status and striving for a visible demonstration of their faith. This created a culture focused on moral discipline and community oversight, as members sought to embody their beliefs in everyday life. The exclusivity inherent in limited atonement also contributed to a strong sense of identity among Puritans, leading them to view themselves as a chosen community set apart from others, thus influencing their interactions with surrounding populations and other religious groups.

Related terms

Total Depravity: The belief that every aspect of humanity is tainted by sin, making it impossible for individuals to choose God without divine intervention.

Irresistible Grace: The doctrine that God's grace is given to the elect in such a way that it cannot be resisted or rejected.

Perseverance of the Saints: The belief that those who are truly chosen by God will maintain their faith and salvation until the end of their lives.