The Absurdities that Flow from the Doctrine of Universal Atonement

Few reasons why universal atonement, though perhaps desirable, is not scripturally tenable according to Francis Turretin:

"The last argument on this subject is, the absurdities that flow from the doctrine of universal atonement. If Christ died for all men universally, it would follow:—1. That he died, on condition they would believe, for multitudes innumerable, to who his death has never been made known; and hence it was impossible that they could believe. 2. That he died for those whom he knew to be children of perdition, who God had passed by, and who would never, to all eternity, enjoy any of the fruits of his death; and so exercised ineffable love towards those whom both he and the Father will cause to suffer eternally under the effects of their wrath. 3. That he died for those, who previously to his death were actually condemned without all hope of reprieve, and were in hell suffering his avenging wrath, and that as their surety he suffered punishment in the place of those who were suffering punishment for themselves, and must suffer it without end. 4. That Christ is the Saviour and Redeemer of those who not only never will be, but never can be saved or redeemed. Or otherwise he must be an imperfect Saviour, having obtained a salvation which he never applies; for he indeed cannot be properly called a Saviour of any but those whom he makes to be partakers of salvation, and who are actually saved” (Atonement of Christ, pp.160-161)."