Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung Episode: What Is the Doctrine of Atonement? (Part 2) Release Date: August 12, 2025

In the second installment of the series on the Doctrine of Atonement, Pastor and theologian Kevin DeYoung delves deeper into the multifaceted nature of the atonement, exploring its various theological dimensions and defending the doctrine of limited atonement within the framework of Reformed theology.

Recap and Continuation

Kevin begins by recapping the previous episode, emphasizing that while there are multiple theories of atonement, the penal substitutionary atonement stands out not merely as a theory but as the cornerstone that unifies other aspects of the Gospel. He cites John Stott to underscore that penal substitution is central to the “good news” because it encapsulates the heart of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross.

Key Aspects of Atonement

Kevin outlines several critical dimensions of the atonement:

1. Obedience and Conquest

   • Obedience: Christ’s atonement fulfills the demands of God’s law, succeeding where Adam failed. This obedience is pivotal in satisfying the prescriptive aspects of the law.
   • Conquest: Through His priestly work, Christ conquers evil, dismantling the dominion of the devil and reinforcing God’s sovereign reign over the world.

2. Reconciliation and Redemption

   • Reconciliation: Drawing from William Tyndale, Kevin explains that atonement reconciles estranged parties, restoring the broken relationship between humanity and God.
   • Redemption: This involves the “purchase back” of freedom, illustrating the liberation from sin’s bondage.

3. Sacrifice and Satisfaction

   • Sacrifice: Christ is portrayed as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, highlighting His perfection and spotless nature.
   • Satisfaction: Jesus satisfies both the prescriptive and penal requirements of God’s law through His sacrificial death.

4. Expiation and Propitiation

   • Expiation: Refers to the removal of sin, akin to cleansing or purging our records.
   • Propitiation: Kevin emphasizes this aspect, explaining that it involves God’s wrath being turned away or assuaged. He addresses misconceptions by distinguishing the biblical God’s wrath from pagan notions, highlighting that God’s wrath is just and not capricious.

   “Propitiation is about turning away or assuaging the wrath of God.” (05:45)

The Nature of God’s Wrath

Kevin delineates three critical distinctions between the wrath of the biblical God and pagan gods:

1. Eternal and Immutable: Unlike the unpredictable and temperamental pagan deities, the biblical God’s wrath is consistent and unchanging.

2. Not Appeasable by Bribes: God is not calmed by external offerings but by His own sacrificial blood.

3. Out of Love, Not Hatred: Despite His anger towards sin, God’s actions, including sending His Son as a propitiation, are rooted in love rather than malice.

   “The God of the Bible does not appease His wrath by a bribe but through His own blood.” (07:20)

Limited Atonement Explained

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to elucidating the doctrine of limited atonement, one of the five points of Calvinism (collectively remembered by the acronym TULIP: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints).

1. Historical Context

   • The Synod of Dort (1618-1619) addressed controversies between Reformed theologians and Arminians. Limited atonement emerged as a defining point of Reformed theology.

2. Definition and Clarifications

   • Limited Atonement (also known as Particular Redemption or Definitive Atonement): Christ’s sacrificial death was intended to effectively redeem the elect—that is, those chosen by God from eternity.
   • Biblical Support: Kevin references several scriptures to support this view:
     • John 6: “Jesus came to save those the Father had given him.” (12:30)
     • Matthew 1:21: “He will save his people from their sins.” (13:15)
     • Ephesians 1:4: “For those chosen in Christ.” (15:05)

   “Limited atonement is not about limiting God’s mercy but clarifying that Jesus did not die for every individual indiscriminately.” (14:50)

3. Addressing Misconceptions

   • Universalism vs. Particularity: Kevin argues that rejecting limited atonement either leads to universalism—where Christ’s death guarantees salvation for all—or to viewing the atonement as merely making salvation possible rather than being effectual.
   • Effectiveness of the Atonement: Emphasizing Reformed theology, he asserts that Christ’s atoning work was fully intended and accomplished to secure the salvation of the elect.

   “The nature of the atonement is that God saved us to the uttermost in the death of Christ, effectually redeeming His elect.” (20:10)

Understanding “The World” in Scripture

A pivotal discussion revolves around the term “world” as it appears in Scriptures like 1 John 4:10. Kevin explains that “world” (Greek: kosmos) often refers to “badness” or the fallen state rather than every individual without exception. When used in the sense of bigness, it implies diversity and expansiveness—encompassing various peoples and regions rather than every single person globally.

“When the Bible speaks of the world, it often means all kinds of people or regions, not necessarily every single person.” (17:35)

Defense of the Doctrine

Kevin passionately defends limited atonement by highlighting its biblical foundation and theological necessity. He argues that without this doctrine, one either endorses universalism or diminishes the effectiveness of Christ’s sacrifice. Highlighting thinkers like Spurgeon and J.I. Packer, he underscores the historical and theological robustness of the doctrine.

“If the atonement is not particularly and only for the sheep, then either we have universalism... or we are limiting the effectiveness of the atonement.” (19:40)

Conclusion

Kevin wraps up by reaffirming the importance of understanding and defending the doctrine of limited atonement. He emphasizes that accurate theological beliefs magnify the Gospel’s power and glory, ensuring that Christians are grounded in scriptural truth.

Final Thoughts

In this episode, Kevin DeYoung provides a comprehensive exploration of the Doctrine of Atonement, intricately weaving biblical exegesis with theological exposition. His defense of limited atonement is both passionate and scholarly, aiming to equip believers with a deeper understanding of one of Christianity’s foundational doctrines. Whether one agrees or disagrees, Kevin’s articulate presentation fosters thoughtful engagement with complex theological concepts.

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