Did Jesus Die for Everyone?

While people who hold to limited atonement would have to change the meaning of “all,” the normal sense of the phrase, which the NIV carries over in their translation, would imply just what it says, “all people.”

Other translations favor this understanding of the text as well, such as Jesus being a ransom for “everyone” (NLT, ISV), “the whole human race” (GNT), and “every person” (Aramaic Bible in Plain English).

A final verse for examination will be one which limited atonement holders use in defense of their view. As was stated, Ephesians 5:25 is a verse used in favor of limited atonement, which states how Christ gave Himself up for the Church.

According to those who hold to limited atonement, this would seem to teach that Jesus only gave Himself up for the elect. However, one must keep in mind the immediate context of the verse, which is comparing Jesus’ relationship with the church with the relationship of husband and wife (Ephesians 5:21-33).

Paul is emphasizing the need for husbands to sacrificially love their wives, just as Jesus loves the church and died to save those who are in the church by His grace (Ephesians 5:25). This verse is not specifically discussing the extent of the atonement, but rather is part of Paul’s overall treatment of the analogy of Christ/church and husband/wife relations.

Therefore, when examining multiple verses, the Bible teaches that Jesus died as a ransom for all people. He paid the price for the sins of mankind, but each person must place faith in Him to receive this gift of salvation (Romans 10:9-11).

The claim that Jesus only died for a specific group of people ignores the teaching of many verses and seems to be based more on a presupposed theological position rather than Scripture.

As has been advocated for in this article, Jesus died for all people so that all who place faith in Him may receive salvation.

Based on the biblical evidence, the theological position of unlimited atonement seems to be more consistent than limited atonement. Multiple verses indicate that Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross was for all mankind.

Although discussions between these two groups are often heated, one must remember that a break of fellowship over the extent of the atonement is not warranted.

There are believers in both the limited and unlimited atonement camps who are equally passionate about spreading the good news of Jesus.

Such differences in positions should not cause an outright feud but should lead to healthy and fruitful discussions, which seek to glorify God and uphold the truth of Scripture.

For further reading:

What Was Jesus’ Mission?

What Is Limited Atonement?

Is the Atonement of Christ Unlimited?

How Can I Know If I am One of the Elect?

How Has Jesus Come to Give Abundant Life?

How Are Predestination and Election Connected with Foreknowledge?

What Is the Significance of ‘For God So Loved the World’? (John 3:16)

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Dmytro Varavin

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site  Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.