Expiação ilimitada x limitada | Pastor Rodrigo Mocellin

Expiação Ilimitada e Expiação Limitada

Introdução às Abordagens Teológicas

• A pregação aborda duas perspectivas teológicas sobre a salvação: expiação ilimitada e expiação limitada.

• A visão arminiana afirma que Deus deseja salvar todos, mas a escolha final da salvação recai sobre o homem.

• Em contraste, os calvinistas sustentam que a morte de Jesus é suficiente para salvar todos, mas efetivamente salva apenas os eleitos.

O Papel de Jesus na Salvação

• Mateus 1:21 é citado para enfatizar que Jesus veio salvar seu povo dos pecados.

• A expiação é comparada ao sacrifício do cordeiro no Egito, onde o sangue era usado para perdão.

• João Batista reconhece Jesus como "o cordeiro de Deus", simbolizando sua função redentora.

Diferenças entre Expiação Ilimitada e Limitada

• Os arminianos acreditam que a expiação é universal; todos podem ser salvos se escolherem fazê-lo.

• A perspectiva limitada argumenta que Deus morreu para salvar eficazmente apenas os eleitos, destacando a soberania divina na salvação.

• O convite à salvação é real, mas somente os eleitos têm entendimento para aceitá-lo.

A Soberania de Deus na Salvação

• É discutido que Deus não tinha obrigação de morrer por nós ou conceder graça a todos; isso reflete sua soberania e misericórdia.

• Paulo em Romanos menciona que a salvação não depende da vontade humana, mas da misericórdia de Deus.

Considerações Finais sobre Eleição e Salvação

• Todos são pecadores e devem tudo a Deus; Ele não deve nada aos homens, mesmo sem pecado inicial (como Adão).

• Apocalipse menciona um número fixo de salvos (144 mil), simbolizando uma eleição predestinada antes da fundação do mundo.

Understanding God's Will: Moral vs. Absolute

The Concept of Two Wills in God

• Armínio's perspective highlights the existence of two wills in God: the moral will (or prescriptive will) and the absolute will, which relates to His decrees and plans.

• An example from Exodus 3 illustrates this duality: God commands Moses to tell Pharaoh to let His people go, representing God's moral will for justice.

• However, the same scripture states that God hardened Pharaoh's heart, demonstrating a conflict between His moral command and absolute decree.

• This concept extends to God's desire for all to be saved (moral will), contrasted with the belief that He only intends to save His chosen people (absolute will).

• A common argument against universal salvation is based on scriptures like Ezekiel 18:23, emphasizing God's wish for repentance rather than destruction.

The Nature of Evil and Divine Sovereignty

• The discussion includes how God can use evil acts (like Absalom's rape or Nebuchadnezzar's violence) within His sovereign plan while still opposing them morally.

• This raises questions about divine sovereignty versus human free will; while God desires righteousness, He permits certain actions for greater purposes.

Interpretation of "God Loved the World"

• Arminians often cite John 3:16 ("For God so loved the world...") as evidence of God's universal salvific intent, arguing that if not all are saved, it’s due to human resistance against divine will.

• Calvinists counter this by asserting that "world" does not refer to every individual but rather encompasses all types of people across humanity.

Conviction and Universal Love

• The argument continues with references to how the Holy Spirit convicts "the world" of sin; however, critics argue this does not imply every individual experiences conviction equally.

• There’s a distinction made between general love from God towards humanity (e.g., rain falling on both good and evil individuals), suggesting unequal treatment in terms of salvation.

Implications of Divine Love

• While acknowledging God's love for everyone—including enemies—there is debate over whether this love is equal or results in equal outcomes regarding salvation.

• Biblical texts suggest that while we are called to love our enemies, it doesn't negate justice or judgment against wrongdoing; thus questioning if divine love operates similarly.

Grace and Divine Election

The Concept of Common Grace

• The speaker discusses the concept of common grace, highlighting that God's grace is evident in the beauty of life, such as light and rain, which is bestowed upon all people.

• Despite this grace, scripture also states that God hates the wicked and those who do evil, referencing Romans 9 to illustrate this dichotomy.

The Example of Jacob and Esau

• The speaker refers to Romans 9, where Paul mentions God's love for Jacob over Esau before they had done any good or bad. This emphasizes that divine election is based on God's calling rather than human actions.

• Deuteronomy is cited to show that Israel was chosen by God not because of their merits but solely due to His love for them, indicating a unique relationship between God and Israel.

Understanding Divine Choice

• The text asserts that Israel was a "stiff-necked" people, equally sinful as others; thus, their selection by God cannot be attributed to any inherent goodness.

• The speaker argues against Armenianism by stating that human will does not frustrate divine will; instead, God's sovereign choice prevails regardless of human resistance.

Human Resistance vs. Divine Will

• A discussion on how humans can resist God's spirit but ultimately highlights that if God desires to overcome this resistance (as seen in Jonah's story), He can do so.

• Examples from biblical narratives illustrate the tension between moral will and decreed will—God's ultimate plan cannot be thwarted by human actions.

Sovereignty in Salvation

• The speaker references Jesus' death as part of God's sovereign plan; despite being an act of murder, it fulfilled divine purpose as stated in Isaiah.

• Questions are raised about whether anyone can truly resist God's sovereign plan for salvation. Paul's conversion story exemplifies how God intervenes despite human opposition.

Personal Reflection on Salvation

• A personal anecdote illustrates the idea that one's choice for faith does not stem from personal merit but from receiving special grace from God.

Understanding Divine Will and Human Response

The Frustration of God's Will?

• Discussion on the perception that some biblical texts suggest God's will can be frustrated, particularly referencing Jesus' lament over Jerusalem.

• Emphasis on the context of Matthew 23, where Jesus addresses Israel's leaders, indicating His desire to gather them despite their rejection.

• Clarification that God's intention to save is not thwarted by human unwillingness; He still gathers His people regardless of their desires.

The Nature of Desire and Sovereignty

• Exploration of the distinction between human desires and divine will; humans do not inherently wish for universal salvation.

• Critique of modern cultural views that elevate human rights above divine authority, contrasting ancient perspectives on humanity's role as creatures under God’s sovereignty.

Enlightenment Influence on Modern Thought

• Analysis of how Enlightenment ideals shifted focus from God to man as a central figure, leading to a sense of entitlement regarding personal rights.

• Reference to Romans, highlighting humanity's lack of authority to question God's decisions or purposes in creation.

The Illusion of Control

• Commentary on modern frustrations with divine determinism; individuals often challenge God’s authority over their lives.

• Reflection on life circumstances being beyond individual control, emphasizing dependence on God for existence and purpose.

Implications for Life Perspective

• Encouragement to recognize God's sovereignty leads to a more fulfilling life perspective rather than feelings of inadequacy or entitlement.

• Reminder that while humans may plan, it is ultimately God who directs paths; understanding this can foster resilience and happiness.

Salvation: A Selective Process?

• Assertion that Calvinists do not advocate for universalism; they believe in a selective love from God towards His chosen people.

• Critique against universalism as undermining the significance of evangelism and church teachings about salvation.

Biblical Evidence Against Universal Salvation

• Examination of Jesus’ use of parables as a means to convey truths selectively, suggesting not all are meant for salvation based on their response.

Discussion on Divine Justice and Salvation

The Nature of God's Mercy and Judgment

• The speaker discusses the ambiguity in the text regarding "the others," implying a lack of clarity about who is excluded from salvation, suggesting a divine decision against their conversion.

• A reference to King Manasseh illustrates extreme sinfulness; despite his heinous acts, including killing his own son, he received mercy while others did not. This raises questions about God's selective mercy.

• Proverbs is cited to argue that God created everything for specific purposes, including the wicked for calamity. This duality highlights God's complex relationship with justice and mercy.

• The speaker emphasizes that God finds pleasure in executing justice, as seen in the death of Jesus, which satisfied divine justice. This suggests a celebration among the righteous when justice prevails.

Efficacy of Christ's Sacrifice

• The speaker expresses a desire for divine retribution against the wicked but contrasts this with human emotional responses to such events. It indicates a theological perspective on justice versus personal feelings.

• Jesus' sacrifice is described as effective only for His chosen people, emphasizing that He knows His sheep intimately and intercedes specifically for them rather than universally for all humanity.

• The notion of Christ’s love is highlighted through marital analogies, stressing that His sacrificial act was directed towards the church (His people), reinforcing exclusivity in salvation.

Universal vs. Particular Redemption

• Two interpretations are presented regarding Christ's propitiation: one sees it as universal potential salvation; another views it as particular effectiveness limited to those elected by God.

• Matthew 1:21 is referenced to assert that Jesus came specifically to save His people, indicating a focus on Israel rather than an indiscriminate global mission.

Paul's Argument on Election

• Romans 9 addresses concerns over God's promises failing due to unconverted Jews; Paul clarifies that true Israelites are those of faith rather than mere ethnic descent.

• Paul asserts that not all descendants of Israel are true Israelites; faith defines true lineage from Abraham, challenging assumptions about national identity and divine favor.

Understanding Salvation Through Faith

• In Galatians, Paul reiterates that believers in Christ constitute the true Israel of God—those who rely on faith instead of works—emphasizing spiritual over ethnic identity.

• The discussion critiques Arminian views on free will and total depravity; it argues that genuine belief arises only from those predestined by God to receive faith.

Salvation and Divine Justice

The Nature of Salvation

• Jesus Christ's sacrifice is presented as the ultimate act of salvation, emphasizing that it is not limited by human actions or decisions.

• The speaker argues against Armenian views that suggest human choice determines salvation, asserting instead that God guarantees salvation for those He has chosen.

God's Justice and Mercy

• A reference to the Parable of the Workers in Matthew 20 illustrates God's justice in distributing rewards based on His own criteria rather than human expectations.

• The parable highlights a perceived injustice from those who worked longer hours but received the same reward as those who worked less, prompting questions about fairness in divine administration.

Understanding Divine Generosity

• The speaker explains that while all receive what they deserve (justice), God extends grace beyond what is merited to those He saves, showcasing His mercy.

• It is emphasized that God’s generosity does not imply obligation; He chooses to be merciful without being unjust.

Human Conditions and Divine Choice

• Observations are made regarding unequal opportunities among individuals, suggesting that God's distribution of gifts and chances varies significantly among people.

• The speaker asserts that some are given more than others concerning salvation, reinforcing the idea of divine election based on grace rather than merit.

Assurance of Salvation