Can I Tell an Unbeliever ‘Jesus Died for You’?

Some people reading the title of this article might be puzzled as to why anyone would even pose such a question. “Of course you can! How else can you spread the gospel?” they might think. For Christians who believe in general atonement, the idea that Christ died for every individual in the same manner, this question never crosses their minds.

However, the question does arise for those who believe in definite (or limited) atonement. Definite atonement holds that when Jesus died, he didn’t simply make salvation a possibility for everyone while leaving it uncertain for all. Instead, he secured the salvation of a specific (and vast) number of sinners from every nation—those whom the Father had given him (John 6:38–39). From this perspective, no one for whom Christ died will ultimately be condemned (Rom. 8:34); all those for whom he died will be saved (5:10).

Since God hasn’t given everyone to Christ (John 17:9), it follows that Christ didn’t die for everyone in the sense that all will be saved. Jesus died for his sheep, but not everyone is among them (10:11, 26). He died for his Bride, yet not everyone is part of his Bride (Eph. 5:25; Rev. 19:7–8). Because we can’t know who the “sheep” are without the evidence of saving faith, it brings up a practical issue: can we tell a current unbeliever “Jesus died for you”? After all, how can we be certain?

A Tricky Question

Full disclosure: I’m a pastor who subscribes to definite atonement. I’m convinced by the arguments I just outlined. Moreover, whether in my sermons or personal conversations, I don’t usually say directly to individuals “Jesus died for you.”

Still, I’m aware that this is a complex question that demands careful consideration. We can preach the gospel without explicitly discussing election, but it’s difficult to preach the gospel without mentioning that Christ died in the place of unbelieving sinners (1 Cor. 15:1–3; 1 Tim. 1:15; 1 Pet. 3:18). So, it’s easy to see why the question “Which unbelieving sinners?” seems relevant. Someone might ask, “What’s the point of an atonement if you’re not sure it applies to you?”

This is likely why the Reformed theologians I’ve read rarely answer this question with a simple “No.” Instead, they respond with something like a “No, but” (or even a “Yes, but”). In that spirit, I’ll offer advice to both those who use the phrase “Jesus died for you” in evangelism and those who don’t.

If You Include ‘Jesus Died for You’ in Your Evangelism

First, don’t overemphasize this phrase more than the Bible does. Notice, for instance, that in the book of Acts, there are no evangelistic sermons that use this exact language. If Peter and Paul could evangelize without saying “Jesus died for you,” you shouldn’t use it as a test of gospel orthodoxy.
Second, ensure that your non – Christian listeners understand that they aren’t saved until they repent and believe. Most Christians know this, but we can’t assume non – Christians do. If hearing “Jesus died for you” makes someone feel they can remain in their sin and unbelief without consequence, then it’s misleading. As Jesus said, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5).
Finally, help unbelievers understand both God’s wrath and his love. I was once shocked to hear an evangelist tell a nonbeliever “God is not angry with you!” He argued that since 1 John 2:2 calls Christ “the propitiation… for the sins of the whole world,” God couldn’t be angry with anyone. But this directly contradicts John 3:36: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
Until people believe, God’s wrath is still upon them. In fact, it’s God’s wrath that helps us see his love as more than just sentiment.

If You Don’t Include ‘Jesus Died for You’ in Your Evangelism

First, don’t get upset when others use this phrase. They might not believe in definite atonement, but what they usually mean is something like “Jesus died in a way that if you believe in him, you will be saved”—and you likely believe that too.
Second, don’t be more cautious in your language than the apostles were. If you’re more guarded than Scripture, it can fuel concerns that Calvinism stifles evangelism. Peter and Paul didn’t tell unbelievers “Jesus died for you,” but they made similar appeals:

• “The promise is for you” [referring to the promise of the Holy Spirit and forgiveness of sins] (Acts 2:39).
• “God… sent [Jesus]… to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness” (3:26).
• “Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (10:43).
• “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you [singular] will be saved” (16:31).
  So, don’t be afraid to speak like the Bible does, even if it sounds like it aligns more with Arminian views. Few preachers were as committed to definite atonement as Charles Spurgeon, yet hyper – Calvinists often criticized him for being too inclusive in his language towards unbelievers. That’s because Spurgeon’s aim wasn’t to please hardcore Calvinists but to honor God and win souls.
  Finally, make sure you help unbelievers experience both God’s wrath and his love. The gospel warns, but it also attracts. D. A. Carson once said that when young, Reformed preachers asked if it was okay to tell unbelievers that God loves them, his answer was “Of course I tell the unconverted that God loves them.” Iain Murray put it this way:
  “… the Holy Spirit uses truth to convince us of sin… But conviction of sin is not enough to bring men to Christ. Conviction of sin only speaks of God’s holiness, it tells the sinner nothing of God’s willingness to pardon… For that further truth is needed. It is only the disclosure of love which can persuade the sinner of God’s readiness and willingness to pardon… Love is the great attraction. Love stands foremost in the gospel appeal… And this love is to be proclaimed as ‘good news’ not to men as elect, but to men as sinners.”
  It’s God’s kindness, not just his power, that leads people to repentance (Rom. 2:4).

Definite atonement doesn’t deny God’s universal love; it deepens our understanding of it by recognizing God’s special love. Just as a man can (and should) love all women while loving his wife in a unique way, Jesus can love all people (see Mark 10:21) while loving his Bride uniquely, as clearly stated in Ephesians 5:25. The gospel of definite atonement teaches that Jesus died for his Bride in a special manner and then invites people into that relationship. “The Spirit and the Bride say ‘Come’” (Rev. 22:17). If we share the gospel with passion, I doubt anyone will question whether Jesus died for them.