This is part of the worship series,
"A Classic TULIP Bouquet”
Series Introduction
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3
Week 4 | Week 5
Week Three—Limited Atonement
Opening of Worship
We used “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” to open our worship, another hymn that touches on total depravity (“prone to wander”), unconditional election (“Jesus sought me”), limited atonement (“bought me with his precious blood”), irresistible grace (“oh, to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be”), and perseverance of the saints (“bind my wandering heart to thee”). Our litany highlighted the theme of atonement, and Psalm 27, “The Lord Is My Light” reminded us of God’s care.
"Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" Robinson, alt. Madan
Opening Sentences
Give thanks to God, for God is good.
When we were overwhelmed by sin, God atoned for our transgressions.
God lifted me from the pit of sin and set me safely on a rock.
God made me a new creation and gave me a new song to sing.
Thanks be to God for his priceless gift, even his Son, our Savior.
Give thanks to God, for God is good.
—from Arlene M. Mark, Words for Worship, Herald Press, 1996
"The Lord is My Light (Psalm 27)" Joncas
We Are Reconciled to God
[We focused on Jesus as the atoning sacrifice for our sins, using “O Christ, the Lamb of God” with intervening Scripture and a prayer]
Call to Confession
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In humility and faith let us confess our sin to God.
Sung Response
“O Christ, the Lamb of God,” (women and girls, measures 1-6)
O Christ, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us.
Prayer of Confession
Eternal God, our judge and redeemer, we confess that we have tried to hide from you, for we have done wrong. We have lived for ourselves, and apart from you. We have turned from our neighbors and refused to bear the burdens of others. We have ignored the pain of the world and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. Through your atoning love, forgive our sins, and free us from selfishness, that we may choose your will and obey your commandments, through Jesus Christ our Savior.
—Mary Hulst © 2002 Reformed Worship.org CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Sung Response
“O Christ, the Lamb of God,” (men and boys, measures 7-12)
O Christ, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us.
Assurance of Pardon, based on Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Sung Response
“O Christ, the Lamb of God,” (all sing measures 13–20)
O Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us your peace. Amen.
The Word
Scripture Lessons
Isaiah 53; Hebrews 9:11–28
Sermon Notes
- In order to understand Atonement, it is helpful to look at Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. The sins of the people demanded sacrifice: “without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins” (Heb. 9:22). This was powerfully displayed to the people of Israel in many ways throughout the year, and most graphically on Yom Kippur, when the people would fast and the animals would be slaughtered for the sins of the nation.
- When Jesus died as the lamb of God, it was to end the system of sacrifice and to pay the final price. I used Oosterhouse’s concept of intentional atonement here, since calling this doctrine “limited” could imply that God is limited, or that the blood of Jesus can only go so far. “Intentional” allows us to see this doctrine as another example of God’s sovereignty. God is intentional about those he saves, leaving nothing to chance. God will do everything that needs to be done in order to bring his children home, even allowing his Son to die.
Hymn of Response
“No Weight of Gold or Silver” Dudley-Smith
Closing Hymn
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” Watts
Revised Common Lectionary
Years A, B, C: Holy Week—Monday of Holy Week
Year B: Season after Pentecost—Proper 24 (29)
Year B: Season after Pentecost—Proper 26 (31)
Year B: Season after Pentecost—Proper 27 (32)
