Note: The article The Case For Definite Atonement by Doctor Roger Nicole was not presented as the arguements for definite atonement put forth are similar to those brought up in her previous article and pale in comparison to those raised by Ron Rhodes. However, if you wish to obtain more information on definite atonement, feel free to browse through Doctor Roger Nicole's article, The Case For Definite Atonement.

At this juncture, one would logically conclude without a doubt that Christ's death on the cross was an effective, universal atonement for all mankind. I would say the most compelling evidence would be Romans 5:15, 18 and 1 John 2:2.

15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.

18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the world

With that said the question that comes mind would be, seeing as Christ died for all humanity, why does scripture dictate that not all will be saved? For example, a parable found in Luke 16:19-31 tells of a man who is condemned to hell for his inhospitability.

However, if one is to accept universal atonement, this notion of condemnation to eternal separation from God despite Christ's death is illogical. The Scripture speaks of propitiation (1 John 2:2, 4:10; Rom. 3:24, Heb. 2:17): this term implies that God is actually appeased and that He does not deal any further in terms of His righteous anger with those who are under the benefit of propitiation. Furthermore, Calvinists argue, it would be unjust for God to pay the penalty for some people's sins and then still condemn them for those sins, all those whose sins were atoned for must necessarily be saved. (Note: Calvinism encompasses the doctrine of limited atonement and not universal atonement)

With that in mind, dare we hope that all men be saved?