For Whom Did Christ Taste Death? | John Piper
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Text: Hebrews 2:9-13
Part of being a Christian in this world is having theological disagreements with other Christians. Without question, one of the hottest sources of theological disagreement among Christians is the doctrines of grace, also known as Calvinism. And within these doctrines, perhaps the one doctrine that creates the most debate and controversy is the doctrine of particular atonement, more commonly known as limited atonement, which states that Christ did not die for every person individually, but that He died to pay for the sins of the elect.
In this sermon, preaching from Hebrews 2:9-13, Pastor John Piper considers this doctrine of particular atonement. He initially acknowledges that, if evangelical Christians were asked “For whom did the Lord Jesus Christ die on the cross?” likely 95% would respond, “everyone.” Piper proceeds to explain why this answer, that Jesus died for every person individually, carries some major exegetical, logical, and theological problems. Piper prefers the doctrine of particular atonement, and he shows that the Hebrews 2 passage is indeed teaching this very doctrine, contrary to common understanding. One of his primary reasons is that particular atonement grants greater assurance of salvation, knowing that Christ will certainly save everyone for whom He died—which is not true if He died for every person in the world.
For Christians who might agree with Piper on this doctrine, this sermon will serve as tremendous encouragement and a source of valuable insight. For Christians who might disagree with Piper, our hope is that you would simply consider what Piper has to say with much prayer. May all who listen to this message be edified in the Lord Jesus.