Did Jesus Die For the Whole World?

NATHAN W. BINGHAM: We're here at Ligonier's 2021 National Conference, and I'm joined by Ligonier Teaching Fellow Dr. Steven Lawson. Dr. Lawson, did Jesus die for the whole world?

DR. STEVEN LAWSON: Jesus did not die for the whole world. Jesus only died for those whom the Father chose in eternity past and gave to Him to be really an expression of the Father's love for the Son. Jesus came into this world on a very specific, definite mission. He came to lay down His life for the sheep. He came to save His people from their sins. He came to purchase the church with His own blood. All for whom Jesus died will be in heaven. And so, we can very clearly say from Scripture that Jesus died a definite atonement; some people call it "particular redemption." I think it is one of the grand truths in the entire Bible. And quite frankly, I can never preach the gospel the same without greater emotion, and I cannot come to the Lord's Table in the same manner"that my name was written upon His heart when He went to the cross.