The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Calvin and Limited Atonement

I was recently told (without proof) by someone that Calvin did not believe in 'Limited Atonement', at least in the way today's "Calvinists" do. That in actuality Calvin believed that the atonement was universal, but the benefits are only for those who repent and believe in Christ alone for salvation.
This person went onto say that Calvin's view is "Authentic Calvinism".
I could say a lot of concerning this view, mainly that it sounds a little like Wesley's view of prevenient Grace; but what I am trying to find out first is if this is an accurate description of what Calvin believed?
Any thoughts would be helpful.
Yes I plan on acting the person for proof.

Tom

Well, if that were his actual view, that would be contrary to unconditional election. The beauty of Calvinist Theology is its consistency. If one of those doctrines fail, they all fail. I am sure I'm still too ignorant, as I'm still a reformed baby, to explain in depth enough for it all to sound sensible, but I can say I know it because I have heard this discussion already on The Dividing Line with Dr. James White, I just didn't memorize all that was said ( I wish I had that ability!).

!. The accusation that Calvin's view of the atonement is contrary to all the Reformed Confessions and Catechisms is flatly false!!

2. This subject has been discussed in detail here over the years and I personally have shown that Calvin held to a universal atonement is false.

3. I have also recommended, among several other things, that one read Calvin and the Calvinists by Paul Helm (Banner of Truth, 1982). Helm takes R.T. Kendall to task on his claim in his book Calvin and English Calvinism to 1649, published in 1981, that later Calvinism was in fact a departure from the theology of the Reformer. In Helm's book he shows that there is an unbroken continuity between Calvin's view of the atonement and other doctrines are the same as the later Reformers and Puritans.

4. One need only to read some of Calvin's sermons and treatises where he wrote on the extent of the atonement to see that he believed in a Limited/Definite Atonement which was iterated at the Synod of Dordt (1618-19).