While the history concerning the extent of Christ's atoning work on the cross is fascinating in its own right, dappled in its twists and turns, often either ignored or misunderstood, it is also among the most controversial questions in evangelical Christianity, fraught with potholes and pitfalls that have been the cause of division since the Reformation—not only between the Reformed and the non-Reformed but also within Reformed theology itself.
Driven by his own theological convictions and Baptist perspective, David L. Allen makes a historical, biblical, and theological case for universal atonement in The Extent of the Atonement: A Historical and Critical Review. This monumental work not only offers a comprehensive historical summary of the question of the atonement's extent from the Early Church Fathers to the present, but also includes the debates within Reformed Theology on the subject since the Reformation and within Baptist history and theology from the early 17th century to present.
The Extent of the Atonement integrates historical theology with exegesis, biblical and systematic theology, and practical theology, to demonstrate the unity between all moderate Calvinists, Arminians, and non-Calvinists on the specific issue of the extent of the atonement. Marshalling evidence from Scripture and history, and critiquing arguments for a limited atonement, Allen affirms that an unlimited atonement is the best understanding of Christ's saving work. He concludes by showing that an unlimited atonement provides the best foundation for evangelism, missions, and preaching.
Allen's tour de force on the atonement forwards not only an example of responsible theology and a faithful reading of Scripture, but also a challenge to pastors, scholars, and seminarians to discern the intent, extent, and application of Christ's atoning work on the cross. A must read for all who are interested in the question of what the cross achieves.
