And he is the propitiation—for the sins of the whole world. —1 John 2:2
We can examine three views concerning this verse:
Jesus Christ [is] the propitiation (the atonement) for the sins of the whole world (every individual).
Jesus Chris [is] the potential propitiation (the atonement) for the sins of the whole world (every individual).
Jesus Christ [is] the actual propitiation (the atonement) for the sins of the whole world (every believer, not for the Jews only).
View 1 (Universalist)
If Jesus Christ [is] the atonement or atoning sacrifice offered to God to appease his wrath, for the sins of every individual (who has been and will be), then all will be saved (because it would cover the sins of unbelief or rejection). This is universalism and does not align with the biblical teaching that there will be unbelievers in the lake of fire for all eternity. (John 5:29; Revelation 20:11-15, 21:8)
View 2 (non Calvinist)
If Jesus Christ [is] the (potential) atonement or atoning sacrifice offered to God to appease his wrath, for the sins of every individual (who has been and will be), then it only offers an opportunity to everyone to be saved. Unbelief or rejection of the gospel is not covered (as in View 1), for one must accept the gospel for the (potential) atonement to become (actual) atonement. (Mark 1:15; John 3:3, 16, 18) However, this would have people in hell whom Jesus Christ suffered the wrath of God for their sins, of which they also do suffer the wrath of God for all eternity. And, if God, declaring the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9, 10) knows (foreknowledge) who will accept and reject the gospel, why would he suffer the Son to drink the cup of wrath for sinners (and sins) whom he knows will never be forgiven?
View 3 (Calvinist)
If Jesus Christ is the (actual) atonement or atoning sacrifice offered to God to appease his wrath, for the sins of every individual (to the Jew first, and also to the Greek, Romans 1:16) chosen in him before the foundation of the world(Ephesians 1:4; Revelation 13:8 vs 17:8), then it is limited to what it seems Jesus has said: “I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold.” (John 10:15, 16; Romans 8:29, 30)
Whether we accept View 2 or View 3, the (actual) atonement is limited to those who repent and put faith in Jesus Christ. To argue the Calvinist unfairly or incorrectly clarifies “the whole world” in their position (when they are talking about the actual propitiation), the non Calvinist must acknowledge the possibility of err in their presupposition of a “potential propitiation.” What does a potential propitiation offer that an actual propitiation does not? Noting whether we see (in scripture) chosen or foreknown, God knows on and to whom it will be applied.
CnC.Today 