Second, not
all men hear the message. If the egalitarian view of the
cross is correct, it raises the problem of the man on the island. Did Jesus
really die and make complete provision for the sons of all men, and then neglect
to send His Spirit to give them the news? In Ancient Israel, the priests not
only atoned for sin, they were sent out to teach Israel how to walk in holiness
(Leviticus 10:11). What kind of priest procures atonement and fails to
communicate the message? It is better to trust the character of God, and
believe His word that says from before the foundation of the world He predestined
His elect in Christ to reach final salvation (Ephesians 1:3-6), and then to
observe that as the sovereign Lord of history. He marked out the time and
places of all people (Acts 17:26), and brought the message to all His sheep
(John 10:16). (David Schrock, “Jesus Saves, No Asterisk Needed: Why Preaching
the Gospel As Good News Requires Definite Atonement,” in Whomever He Wills:
A Surprising Display of Sovereign Mercy, ed. Matthew Barrett and Thomas J.
Nettles [Cape Carol, Fla.: Founders Press, 2012], 115)
Many egalitarians, especially
modified Calvinists who adhere to unconditional election, believe that they
have protected God from the charge of unfairness by advocating a universal
atonement. But the real problem remains, just in a different place. The
doctrine of unconditional election is the real source of contention for people
who want to charge God with unfairness. Ironically, by rejecting particular
redemption, but maintaining a Reformed view of election, God’s ‘election
process’ looks even more arbitrary. The Son dies for the salvation of all, but
the Father and the Spirit respectively elect and regenerate some. How is that
fair? How is that just? Clearly, if the doctrine of election stands biblically,
there is no real apologetic benefit to making the cross of Christ universally
atoning. Modified Calvinists are too optimistic that their view of Christ’s
general atonement will help remove the offense of God’s particular election. (Ibid.,
116)
