jlay wrote:"Another universal view is held in Arminianism that because of the cross, all have potential redemption, if they will believe. That Christ's work is complete and sufficient to cover every sin of every person, no exceptions. Yet, one must appropriate the sacrifice by trusting in Christ."
Calvinists agree that Christ's death was sufficient for all sinners. There is no sinner who can make the excuse that Christ death was insufficient. But Christ's work was not simply to provide "potential redemption", but actual redemption. He actually seeks and saves that which was lost. As such, His work was effective only for the elect. One cannot say that "Christ's work is complete... to cover every sin of every person, no exceptions. " and then add that "one must appropriate the sacrifice by trusting in Christ." In that case, Christ's work is NOT sufficient. We still have to add our faith, trust, whatever. To paraphrase John Owen, Christ did not die on the condition that we believe, but he died for the elect, that they should believe. In other words, belief is not the precondition of salvation, it is the result.
Here is a scriptural list of what Christ accomplished at Calvary. Read this list carefully and ask yourself, did Christ accomplish this for every person, or only for the elect?
“to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:5)
to “justify many, for he shall bear their iniquities" (Isaiah 53:11)
He shall save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21)
to seek and to save what was lost (Matthew 18:11; Luke 19:10)
to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15)
that He might be the firstborn of many brethren (Romans 8:29)
that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery (Hebrews 2:14-15)
He “abolish[ed] death, and to bring life and immortality to light" (2 Timothy 1:10).
“sanctify and cleanse His Church” (Romans 5:25-27)
to "make and end of sins, reconciliation for iniquity, and bring in everlasting righteousness” (Daniel 9:24)
to “bear our sins" (1 Peter 2:24)
to "bear our iniquities, and to have them laid upon him" (Isaiah 53:5-12)
"to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." (John 4:34)
"gave himself to us to redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar (chosen) people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14)
He entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking ... his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:12)
"...that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (2 Corinthians 5:21)
“lay down His life for His Sheep…to give them eternal life, and they shall never perish” (John 10:11, John 10:27-28)
"He redeemed us from the curse, being made a curse for us" (Galatians 3:13)
to “purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God." (Hebrews 9:14)
The Arminian "universal" redemption, on the other hand...
...is not real redemption, but only potential redemption.
...makes Christ's blood worthless for the vast majority for which it was intended.
...belittles the value of His work, seeing as the damned in Hell are just as much bought with His blood as we are.
...makes Christ's work a failure, seeing his intention was to save every person who ever lived (including those already in Hell at his death).
Christ's plan of redemption was an actual plan, not a hopefully possibility left up to human will. Thus the powerful, closing words on the cross, "It Is Finished".