Date

5-23-2025

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MA)

Chair

Joshua Greever

Keywords

Atonement, Pauline Theology, 2 Corinthians, Unlimited Atonement, Free Will, Theology

Disciplines

Christianity

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to uncover the similarities and distinctions between limited and unlimited atonement specifically analyzing which theological perspective was most accurately represented in the text of 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. This research promotes the idea of how unlimited atonement under modified conditions is supported by the text. This modified view is distinct from both Calvinism and Arminianism. This thesis explores various methods for examining the text by using textual, historical, cultural, literal, intertextual, grammatical, and theological analyses. By using this exegetical process, this modified view of unlimited atonement contains the assertion that the death of Jesus Christ is not only sufficient, but also efficient enough to secure the salvation of the world. This contrasts historical reformed theology due the way that God’s foreknowledge ensures that there is a definite application of Christ’s atonement but not restricting whom may come to Christ. This is demonstrated by looking towards Pauline theology, as well as integrating the language used by Paul, to ground the argument in human free will and God’s omniscience. The research arrives to the conclusion of how God’s sovereignty and human freedom coexist, thus allowing concepts from both limited and unlimited atonement to work together.

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