Greater Than Aaron: The Supremacy of Christ's Limited Atonement

For whom did Christ die?

For some, this question comes as a surprise. "Are there actually differing views?" For others, the answer is obvious. Ask the average churchgoer, and without skipping a beat the answer will undoubtedly be, "Everyone " But that answer raises several important questions, especially for those who affirm the doctrine historically known as Penal Substitutionary Atonement. Did Jesus die for every single individual, even though most will wind up in hell for eternity? If so, how is that concept a penal atonement-how could it be said that Jesus truly paid the legal penalty for those who will end up having to pay their own legal penalty? Furthermore, how is that concept a substitutionary atonement-if Jesus truly was everyone's substitute, how can anyone still be condemned? By thoroughly examining one of the key Old Testament passages-the Day of Atonement as described in Leviticus 16-the question can be answered with confidence. Aaron, serving as high priest for the nation of Israel, foreshadowed the work of Jesus, the greater high priest. Thus, a comparison between the two of them reveals exactly what Christ accomplished in His death on the cross-and for whom.