God's plan is perfect and successful because He governs all of history. He can prophesy, act decisively, and effectively accomplish His will. This gives us assurance.
Given the centrality of Jesus' sacrifice in God's redemptive plan, it is appropriate to ask:
The answer is not as obvious as it might seem because there are two prevailing schools of thought: universal redemption and particular redemption (often referred to as "limited atonement").
The question involves understanding:
This is not a trivial matter. Christ's suffering and resurrection were the culmination of Old Testament prophecy and are central to New Testament teaching. The theme of redemption runs throughout the Scriptures.
The message of salvation must be:
Even the angels long to understand the mystery of redemption (1 Peter 1:12). Scripture reveals how the Christ would suffer, be glorified, make atonement, and vindicate the Father's justice (Isaiah 53; Luke 24:26).
The Lord of Glory purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28).
Christ's sacrifice was sufficient to atone for everyone's sins. However, He would not need to suffer more to atone for the elect’s sins than for the sins of others, for His righteousness is infinite and perfect. The real question is not sufficiency but rather the design and purpose of the sacrifice.
It is also important to acknowledge the universal relevance of Christ's atonement. Because Jesus died upon the cross and redeemed a people for Himself, temporal goods and benefits still flow down to humanity at large. For example:
While these benefits are not salvific in nature, they are nevertheless real and significant.
Every individual / all mankind?
The elect / all believers?
Did Christ die for the unbeliever whose destiny is damnation?
Christ died for His own:
Salvation was God's plan from eternity past. One does not plan if they do not care or if they act foolishly. But God had a plan—a plan surpassing all human vision and understanding—because He deeply cares for His creation.
Every single event that happens in history unfolds exactly according to God’s eternal and immutable plan. This plan is:
Nothing comes to pass outside of God’s ordaining will. Every moment fits into His overarching plan, perfectly, certainly, and for ultimate good.
Daniel 4:34–37: God’s dominion is everlasting, and He does all things according to His will in heaven and on earth. No one can thwart His purposes or question His justice, goodness, or sovereignty.
Isaiah 46:8–11: "God's counsel shall stand, and He will accomplish all His purposes." He declares the end from the beginning, even things that have not yet happened. His plan will come to pass.
God's plans are not merely intentions—they are efficacious. They will happen.
Isaiah 14:26–27: "The LORD has purposed, and His hand is stretched out. Who can challenge it?" God works among the nations, and no one can thwart or undo His design.
God's plan is eternal and has existed from ancient times, even before the foundation of the world.
Psalm 33:11: "The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations."
God's plan is firm, as opposed to the fleeting and unstable plans of people (Psalm 33:10).
God is immutable—His plan will not change.
In Him, there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17).
Ephesians 1:11: God works all things according to the counsel of His will:
All things work for His purpose, and nothing escapes His plan. This includes:
Proverbs 16:33: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD."
Even the most perverse, evil, and wicked events in history are not outside of God's plan and purpose. Examples include:
On some level, every Christian believes in God's sovereign control over history. This is why we pray for God to intervene or work in specific ways.
We take comfort in the fact that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). If things were random or outside of God's control, we could not be certain of this promise. However, we know that even sufferings are ultimately for our good.
For those of us who believe, we can confidently say, "God gave us eternal life."
John 5:11–13: "God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son."
Through faith. Faith is the means by which we believe and receive the promise of eternal life.
Philippians 1:29: Faith is not self-generated; "It has been granted to you for the sake of Christ."
Ephesians 2:8–9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Answer: Faith comes from God.
God supplies both the ends and the means of salvation.
Why are some men made to differ from others? Why are some saved while others are not?
Ephesians 1:3–4: "God blessed us with every spiritual blessing, including faith, by union with Christ, according to His eternal plan."
2 Timothy 1:9–10: "He saved us and called us, not because of our works or will, but because of His purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ before the ages began."