Episode 269: Romans 5:6-11

In this week’s conversation we unpack why “limited atonement” is better called definite atonement—the cross designed by the Father, accomplished by the Son, and applied by the Spirit to truly save a people, not merely make salvation possible. Paul’s logic in Romans 5:6–11 carries us from our helplessness and enmity to the wonder of God’s love, the satisfaction of His wrath, and the deep assurance that we are “saved by His life.”

Christ died to actually save His people. Enemies become family; wrath becomes welcome; fear becomes assurance.

Main Points

• Definite Atonement: The cross achieves what God eternally designed—the real salvation of Christ’s sheep.

• Human Helplessness: We weren’t neutral; we were ungodly and powerless. Grace starts where our ability ends.

• God’s Love, Clarified:

  • Benevolence (goodwill to all)

  • Beneficence (kind gifts to all)

  • Complacent love (delight for those united to His Son)

• Wrath Satisfied: Salvation means rescue from God’s righteous wrath through Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

• Reconciliation: God took the initiative to reconcile enemies to Himself.

• Saved by His Life: Jesus’ righteous life credited to us and His living intercession keep us to the end.