The central goal of John Owen’s “Death of Death in the Death of Christ” is to explain and defend the true purpose of Christ’s death as taught in the Scriptures. Many opinions about this topic exist, and they significantly affect our understanding of God’s plan for salvation. Misunderstanding Christ’s atonement can lead to serious errors in faith and practice.
The Importance of Clarifying the Atonement
The question before us is simple: What was God’s purpose in sending His Son to die? Some say Christ died for everyone in the world, hoping to make salvation possible for all, if they choose to believe. Others, myself included, hold that Christ died to actually save specific people—the ones God has chosen.
This difference is not minor; it affects how we view God’s justice, grace, and power. If Christ’s death was intended to save everyone but does not accomplish this, it suggests God’s will can be frustrated. On the other hand, if Christ’s death was designed to save the elect and actually achieves this goal, God’s sovereignty and grace are upheld.
The Problem with Universal Atonement
Those who argue that Christ died for all people claim that His death made salvation possible for everyone, but not certain for anyone. They say the effectiveness of His death depends on human free will—whether individuals choose to believe in Him. This view limits the power of Christ’s death and makes salvation ultimately dependent on human effort, not God’s grace.
The Biblical Teaching
The Bible, however, teaches that Christ’s death was not a general offer of salvation but a specific act to save His people. Jesus Himself said, “I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:15). The apostle Paul wrote that Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25). These verses show that Christ’s death was intended for a specific group of people—those God had chosen to save.
What This Work Will Prove
In this book, I will show from Scripture and reason that:
- Christ’s death was specifically intended to save the elect, not everyone universally.
- This view of the atonement is consistent with God’s justice, mercy, and sovereignty.
- The alternative view of universal atonement is not supported by Scripture and undermines the gospel.
By the end of this work, I hope to make it clear that the glory of God’s grace shines most brightly when we see Christ’s death as an effective and specific act to save His people. Let us approach this subject with humility and a desire to honor God’s truth.
A Modern English translation and summary of John Owen’s The Death of Death in the Death of Christ.
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