First Presbyterian Church

T   TOTAL DEPRAVITY
U   UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION
L   LIMITED ATONEMENT
I    IRRESISTIBLE GRACE
P   PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Atonement

·         "The message of the cross..."

·         The power of sin is broken in the death of Jesus Christ

·         God does the work

Limited

·         "...foolishness to those who are perishing."

·         Not limited in its power, but in its application

·         Given only to those whom God has chosen/elected

Applied

·         For you - if you believe, the power of the cross is for you

·         For everyone else - treat everyone as if the power of the cross is for them

1. What is my initial reaction when I hear the idea that the saving work of Jesus' death is only applied to those whom God chooses?  Why do I think I react that way?

2. In what way is the message of the cross "foolishness" to the wisdom of our world?

3. In what ways can the idea of "Limited Atonement" encourage us as we share the Gospel?  In what ways can it discourage us?