To Save Sinners: A Critical Evaluation of the Multiple Intentions View of the Atonement

by Michael Riccardi, John F. MacArthur, Jr. (Foreword)

The atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross stands as the very epicenter of Christianity, the very heart of the gospel. Because of this, one does not stray far from the heart of the Christian faith when he asks, “ For whom has Christ accomplished so great a salvation?”
Answers to that question have historically fallen in two broad categories. Either Jesus died for all people without exception, or he died only for those whom the Father has chosen to save. Recently, a mediating view has arisen, arguing that we should not choose between these options, but that Jesus died with multiple intentions for all without exception and for the elect alone.
In this book, Michael Riccardi offers a critical evaluation of the multiple intentions view from the perspective of classic particularism. The book demonstrates that while the third way proposed is attractive at first blush, beneath the surface it faces insurmountable biblical and theological problems—including the redefinition of the nature of the atonement itself. Riccardi demonstrates that particular redemption is the teaching of the text of Scripture against the objections of one of its strongest opponents.

Genres: Theology

402 pages, Paperback

Published April 12, 2023

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a committed particularist for 3 decades. It’s simply biblical. Riccardi does a superb job defending the doctrine and exposing a view, multiple intentions of the atonement, that just does not withstand the scrutiny of the entirety of scripture. Verses must not be cherry-picked as launching points for a doctrine that denies God His glory and merely limits the atonement to man’s act of faith. Thus, placing the atonement into the dead sinners hand to make effectual. This book will reside with the great doctrinal treatises of the reformed men of our faith for years to come.