Is "Whoever calls on the name of Lord will be saved" contradictory to the Calvinist/Reformed theory of 'limited atonement?'
Romans 10:5 - 21
NKJV - 5 For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, "The man who does those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' " (that is, to bring Christ down from above )
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Tom howard
I do like Ephesians, as it spells out just how it works. Does God call? Yes, and many be that heed that call. Its a progression, we trust Christ, 'after' we hear the truth. Ephesians 1:12,13, "That we should be to the praise of his glory, who 'first' trusted in Christ. In whom you also trusted (when?), after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,..." Yes, it was the same with Lydia, it was hearing the gospel preached first. Then the trust, after. God opened her heart, 'through' the gospel.
2 Thessalonians 2:13,14, "But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation 'through' sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto 'he called you by our gospel',..." All who God chose's have to come through 'santification of the spirit and belief of the truth (gospel).'
It is a choice by faith, for the chosen. Who are they, Acts 10:34,35 " Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is 'no respecter of persons': But in every nation he that fear's him, and works righteousness, is accepted with him."
How can you say Lydia did not mix faith with the word, she believed didnt she? If the word say's there are those who do not believe because they 'do not mix faith' with the gospel being heard, then it stands to reason that those who 'do mix faith' with the hearing of the gospel, believe! Hebrews 4:2, "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." Its, again, a choice.
God did His part by dieing on the cross, its now our part to believe (the good news) of that part.
Tom howard
Not only did he (Peter) mention about God being ‘no respecter of persons’ in Acts 10; also said in 1 Peter 1:17, that He not only is no respecter of persons, but that it is us who calls on Him,” 7 And if you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judge’s according to every man's work….”. Then verse 22 of same chapter it shows the results of that call, “ Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit…”
These are definitely contradictory to the doctrine of limited atonement.
Tom howard
It tells us In John 6:45,46,47 “It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that has 'heard', and has 'learned' of the Father, come’s unto me. Not that any man has seen the Father, save he which is of God, he (Jesus) has seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on me has everlasting life.”
This is how God calls us, by hearing and learning. Then, the ultimate test, afterwards, is belief. Everlasting life is then afforded to such.