Limited Atonement

In this sermon, Pastor Cole walks through one of the most precious and controversial doctrines in the Doctrines of Grace: Limited Atonement—also called Definite or Particular Redemption. Far from being a cold theological category, this doctrine reveals the intentional, personal, covenantal love of Christ at the cross. From Scripture we can see that Jesus did not die merely to make salvation possible, but to actually save His people. Using passages such as John 10, Matthew 1:21, Ephesians 5:25–27, Isaiah 53, and Hebrews 9–10, we see that Christ laid down His life for His sheep, His bride, His church—those given to Him by the Father from before the foundation of the world.

This sermon exposes the serious errors of universal atonement and demonstrates that Christ’s death was not general but specific, not hypothetical but effective, not an offer but a purchase. Christ secured eternal redemption for His people. He perfected forever those who are being sanctified. He bore the sins of “many,” not all without exception. And because His atonement is definite, it is victorious.

This sermon emphasizes that this doctrine fuels assurance, deepens worship, humbles pride, drives evangelism, strengthens holiness, and comforts believers. If Christ died for you, then He purchased your forgiveness, repentance, faith, sanctification, perseverance, and future glory. This is the heart of the gospel: Jesus does not try to save—He saves. And in His saving work, not one drop was wasted.