Category Archives: The Cross of Christ

The Cost of the Cross

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Aaron O'Kelley

Although the incarnation of God the Son in human flesh is a mystery beyond our ability to grasp, I wonder if most Christians have ever come to terms with the true humanity of Jesus.  Because we are rightly taught from … Continue reading →

Posted in Life and Living, The Cross of Christ | 1 Comment

How Shall We Kill Sin?

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Aaron O'Kelley

John Owen’s classic The Mortification of Sin includes these words in the preface, where Owen explains why he chose to publish the work: This was seconded by an observation of some men’s dangerous mistakes, who of late days have taken upon … Continue reading →

Posted in Doctrine of Salvation, The Cross of Christ | Leave a comment

The Good News of the Resurrection

Posted on April 24, 2011 by Aaron O'Kelley

Growing up in a typical Southern Baptist church, I was taught from a very early age that Jesus died to take the penalty for my sins so that I would not have to face that penalty, and thus God could … Continue reading →

Posted in Doctrine of Salvation, Eschatology, The Cross of Christ | 5 Comments

Particular Redemption: Why It Matters

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Aaron O'Kelley

Why does it matter where you come down on the question of the intent of Christ’s atonement?  Let me offer three reasons: 1. Only the doctrine of Particular Redemption preserves a robust doctrine of penal substitution. If that terminology is … Continue reading →

Posted in The Cross of Christ | 1 Comment

Particular Redemption: Answering Objections, Part 3

Posted on June 9, 2010 by Aaron O'Kelley

The last kind of objection to Particular Redemption that I will answer here (unless any readers want to suggest others) is that based on certain texts of Scripture that seem to indicate that Christ died for those who could ultimately … Continue reading →

Posted in The Cross of Christ | 1 Comment

Particular Redemption: Answering Objections, Part 2

Posted on June 4, 2010 by Aaron O'Kelley

Those who argue against Particular Redemption and for a General Atonement can make a plausible case from Scripture.  I do not deny that point.  However, I believe that, when the totality of the evidence is taken into account, Particular Redemption … Continue reading →

Posted in The Cross of Christ | 1 Comment

Particular Redemption: Answering Objections

Posted on May 31, 2010 by Aaron O'Kelley

One of the primary objections to the doctrine of Particular Redemption is that it undercuts the free proclamation of the gospel to all people.  According to this objection, if you cannot say with certainty to a lost person, “Christ paid … Continue reading →

Posted in The Cross of Christ | 1 Comment

Particular Redemption: A Biblical Case, Part 2

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Aaron O'Kelley

The second and third arguments for Particular Redemption are as follows: (2) The connection between Christ’s intercessory work as high priest and his atoning work as sacrifice demands a particularity in the intention of his atoning work.  The reason is … Continue reading →

Posted in The Cross of Christ | 3 Comments

Particular Redemption: A Biblical Case

Posted on May 26, 2010 by Aaron O'Kelley

I have affirmed that God intended to secure infallibly the salvation of his elect and only his elect in the atoning work of Christ.  This is a doctrine known as “Particular Redemption” (so named because of the particularity of the … Continue reading →

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The Intent of the Atonement: My View

Posted on May 25, 2010 by Aaron O'Kelley

What did God the Father intend to accomplish through the atoning work of his Son?  I affirm at least two divine intentions in the atonement, which I state as follows: (1) God intended to secure infallibly the complete salvation of … Continue reading →

Posted in The Cross of Christ | 4 Comments