Andy Naselli

Thoughts on Theology

atonement

Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement: 3 Views

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atonementMy most recent book, another debate-book, just released:

Andrew David Naselli and Mark A. Snoeberger, eds. Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement: 3 Views. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2015.  

31-page sample PDF (front matter + introduction)

I explain more about the book in this 5-minute video:

This book presents a point-counterpoint exchange concerning God’s intention in sending Christ to die on the cross. All of the contributors recognize a substitutionary element in the atoning work of Christ, but they disagree over the nature and objects of that substitution. [Read more…] about Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement: 3 Views

Definite Atonement in Biblical, Historical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective

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For the last several years, I’ve been corresponding with my friends David and Jonny Gibson about a 700-page book they’ve been editing on definite atonement.

David-Gibson Jonathan-Gibson

During this time, Mark Snoeberger and I have been editing a much smaller debate-book titled Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement: Three Views, with essays and responses by Grant R. Osborne, John S. Hammett, and Carl R. Trueman (B&H, forthcoming).

from-heaven-he-came

So I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book for several years:

David Gibson and Jonathan Gibson, eds. From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Biblical, Historical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective. Wheaton: Crossway, 2013. 703 pp.

It doesn’t disappoint my high expectations. It’s amazing. It’s definitely the most thorough and compelling book describing and defending definite atonement. And best of all, it not only refutes other views and presents strong arguments for definite atonement; it addresses the issue with the right tone. It leads the reader to worship the triune God!

[Read more…] about Definite Atonement in Biblical, Historical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective

Whomever He Wills: A Surprising Display of Sovereign Mercy

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whomeverIn 2010, B&H published Whosoever Will: A Biblical-Theological Critique of Five-Point Calvinism (ed. David L. Allen and Steve W. Lemke). It arose from the 2008 “John 3:16 Conference.”

This book is much better:

Matthew Barrett and Thomas J. Nettles, eds. Whomever He Wills: A Surprising Display of Sovereign Mercy.  Cape Coral, FL: Founders, 2012. 401 pp.

Here’s the lineup: [Read more…] about Whomever He Wills: A Surprising Display of Sovereign Mercy

Limited Atonement in the Bible, Doctrine, History, and Ministry

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A concise and helpful new book on a controversial issue:

Lee Gatiss. For Us and For Our Salvation: “Limited Atonement” in the Bible, Doctrine, History, and Ministry. London: Latimer Trust, 2012. 134 pp.

It’s endorsed by J. I. Packer, Carl Trueman, Mark D. Thompson, Alec Motyer, D. A. Carson, Julian Hardyman, Michael S. Horton, and David Instone-Brewer. Here’s what D. A. Carson says about it:

The last thing Lee Gatiss wants to accomplish by this short book is to renew theological conflict characterized by more heat than light. [Read more…] about Limited Atonement in the Bible, Doctrine, History, and Ministry

The Extent of the Atonement in Paul’s Theology

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This new book argues exegetically that Paul affirms definite atonement:

Jarvis J. Williams. For Whom Did Christ Die? The Extent of the Atonement in Paul’s Theology. Paternoster Biblical Monographs. Milton Keynes, UK: Paternoster, 2012.

It has five chapters:

  1. Introduction, Thesis, and History of Research
  2. Humanity’s Spiritual Plight in Paul’s Anthropology
  3. Divine and Human Agency in Paul’s Soteriology
  4. The Purpose of Jesus’ Death in Paul’s Atonement-Theology
  5. Conclusion [Read more…] about The Extent of the Atonement in Paul’s Theology

Falsifying Views on the Extent of the Atonement

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I observed a lot of dissertation proposals and defenses in the PhD program at TEDS, and this was one of the most frequently asked questions that examiners posed students: “What would falsify your thesis?” In other words, what exactly would it take to disprove your thesis?

It’s a question worth asking for any position you hold.

For example, consider the two most common views on the extent of the atonement:

  1. General or universal atonement: God intended for Jesus to die for the sins of all humans without exception.
  2. Definite or limited atonement: God intended for Jesus to die effectually for the sins of only the elect.

What would falsify general atonement? Some proponents say that all it would take is a Bible passage that explicitly says that Jesus died only (key word) for the elect.

What would falsify definite atonement? [Read more…] about Falsifying Views on the Extent of the Atonement

John Owen’s Argument for Definite Atonement

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I took a PhD seminar from Graham Cole in spring 2007 entitled “Historical Theology: The Atonement.” I later updated one of my papers for that course, and The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology published it in March in an issue on Puritanism:

“John Owen’s Argument for Definite Atonement in The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: A Brief Summary and Evaluation.” The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology 14:4 (2010): 60–82.

Here’s the outline:

1. A Summary of Owen’s The Death of Death in the Death of Christ

1.1. Books 1–2: Arguments for Definite Atonement

1.1.1. The Ends and Means of the Atonement: Teleological Distinctions [Read more…] about John Owen’s Argument for Definite Atonement

Calvin on the Extent of the Atonement

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Here’s a new book as a PDF that is “available [to the whole world] for a limited time as a free download“:

Paul Hartog. A Word for the World: Calvin on the Extent of the Atonement. Schaumburg, IL: Regular Baptist Press, 2009. 72 pp.

I haven’t read it yet, but I’m sure that it’s worth a careful look.

Paul Hartog is an associate professor at Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary (Ankeny, Iowa). He has earned MA and MDiv degrees in theological studies (Faith), an MA in history (Iowa State University), a ThM in Ethics (St. Andrew’s Theological College), and a PhD in New Testament and Early Christianity (Loyola University, Chicago). He has also ministered as an assistant pastor in Baptist churches in Slater, Iowa, Romeoville, Ill., and Grimes, Iowa.

Feedback welcome.