At the heart of the debate at the Synod of Dort, the truths of predestination and the atonement belong together. To fail to understand and accept the doctrine of predestination will always lead to a defective and unbiblical view of the atonement. This is why the following verses on predestination MUST be read, discussed, preached upon and taught to the church.
Acts 4:28
1 Corinthians 2:7
Romans 8:29
Romans 8:30
Ephesians 1:5
Ephesians 1:11
This is the definition of the doctrine of predestination from the Westminster Confession of Faith (3:6):
As God has appointed the elect unto glory, so has He, by the eternal and most free purpose of His will, foreordained all the means thereunto. Wherefore, they who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ, are effectually called unto faith in Christ by His Spirit working in due season, are justified, adopted, sanctified,6 and kept by His power, through faith, unto salvation. Neither are any other redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.
The connection between predestination and the atonement is unmistakeable. The Trinity did not simply make salvation available but a definite number of people were definitely purchased and in due season brought to Christ.
Matthew 1:21 "She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
The heartbeat of redemption is the cross of Jesus and his sufferings at Golgotha. Let us read, study and discuss the atonement and here are some books to help us do just that.
Hugh Martin, The Shadow of Calvary.
Hugh Martin, The Atonement.
Frederick Leahy, The Cross He Bore.
Alec Motyer, Commentary on Isaiah (Read 52:12-53:12).
The Westminster Confession, Chapter 8 *Of Christ the Mediator".
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