J.A. Matteson
(daily devotional)
To whom are the benefits of Christ's atonement applied? What does the apostle say?..."we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers" (1 Tim. 4:10).
In no sense is the apostle proposing universalism for Christ laid down His life only for the sheep (John 10:11). But what does Paul say?..."we have fixed our hope..." Who are the "we"?...in context they are the apostle and Timothy....Jew and Gentile.
More broadly the "we" represent every other Jew and Gentile, with one essential qualifier..."especially of believers." What then? That the atoning blood of the Lamb of God was shed not only for the Jew but also for the Gentile, for all types of men, of all races, for whosoever may call upon Him in faith.
This proposition was and remains scandalous to Jews. The apostle's premise is earlier introduced...."prayers...be made on behalf of all men....kings and all in authority....God who desires all men to be saved" (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
While the atonement is sufficient for every human being it is efficacious only to those who believe. Sola Fide
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