The gospel, especially in Protestant and Catholic conservative circles, is often presented as an offer limited to a select group. For instance, “Limited Atonement“ in Calvinism is the belief that Jesus’ sacrifice was only for the elect—those predestined by God to be saved (from hellfire, in their paradigm). It teaches that Christ did not die for all people, but only for those whom God specifically chose before creation. This contradicts the universal nature of Christ’s atonement, which holds that Jesus died for everyone. Calvinists argue that if Jesus died for all, but not all are saved, His atonement would be ineffective. However, this doctrine is heavily debated, as many Bible verses affirm Christ’s sacrifice for all people.
In fact, a careful look at Scripture reveals an overwhelming pattern: God’s plan of salvation is universal. The idea that Christ died for only some contradicts the repeated use of words like “all,” “every,” and “the whole world.” The following verses demonstrate that God’s grace is for everyone, without exclusion.
Old Testament Foundations
Psalm 145:9 – “The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.”
- God’s goodness and mercy extend to all creation—not just a select group.
Isaiah 25:8 – “He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces.”
- God’s ultimate victory over death is not for some, but for all people.
Isaiah 45:22-23 – “To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.”
- God’s sovereignty and redemption will be recognized by every person.
Isaiah 53:6 – “All we like sheep have gone astray… and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
- Just as all have sinned, all are included in God’s redemptive work.
Isaiah 66:23 – “All flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the Lord.”
- Worship will be universal, not restricted to a chosen few.
Jesus’ Teachings
Luke 2:10 – “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
- The birth of Jesus is good news for all—not just for a select group.
Luke 3:6 – “All flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
- God’s salvation is not hidden from anyone.
John 1:9 – “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.”
- Jesus is the light for everyone, not just believers.
John 12:32 – “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
- Jesus promises to draw all people, not just a chosen few.
Paul’s Affirmation
Romans 3:23-24 – “For all have sinned… and all are justified by his grace as a gift.”
- Just as all sin, all receive grace through Christ.
Romans 5:18-19 – “One trespass led to condemnation for all… so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all.”
- Adam’s sin affected everyone—and so does Christ’s redemption.
Romans 11:32 – “For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.”
- God’s plan is to show mercy to all.
1 Corinthians 15:22 – “As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
- The effects of Christ’s resurrection are as universal as Adam’s fall.
2 Corinthians 5:14 – “One has died for all, therefore all have died.”
- Christ’s sacrifice was for all.
Universal Atonement in the New Testament
Philippians 2:9-11 – “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
- A universal confession of faith is part of God’s plan.
Colossians 1:19-20 – “Through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven.”
- God’s reconciliation extends to everything.
1 Timothy 2:3-4 – “God… desires all people to be saved.”
- If God desires this, who can resist His will?
1 Timothy 4:10 – “We have hoped in a living God who is the Savior of all human beings.”
- Not just of some, but of all.
Titus 2:11 – “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.”
- God’s grace is universally available.
Hebrews 2:9 – “Jesus… so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”
- Jesus’ sacrifice was for everyone.
2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord… is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
- God’s desire is for all to repent, not just a few.
1 John 2:2 – “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”
- Christ’s atonement is for the entire world.
Revelation 5:13 – “I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth… saying, ‘To him who sits on the throne be glory and honor!’”
- Every creature will worship God.
Revelation 21:5 – “Behold, I am making all things new.”
- God’s plan includes the restoration of all things.
Conclusion: The Bible Proclaims Universal Atonement
From beginning to end, Scripture repeatedly affirms that God’s salvation plan is for all people. The overwhelming number of passages using “all,” “every,” and “the whole world” leaves little room for exclusionary interpretations. If all have sinned, and Christ came for all, then the logical conclusion is that all will be restored in Him.
Does “all” really mean all? The Bible resoundingly says: YES.
