Moderate, High, and Hyper-Calvinism

I consider myself a classic moderate Calvinist. The term 'moderate' itself with respect to Calvinism goes back to the 1600s. These Calvinists held to an unlimited expiation in the sacrifice of Christ.

This is not 4-point Calvinism, nor is it necessarily Amyraldism. Though highs very often throw these accusations at us moderates, and even the insult 'Arminian,' when frustrated. Classic moderate Calvinism believes in a kind of limited atonement, proper limited atonement - an unlimited expiation/limited intent variety. This view was represented by many delegates at the Synod at Dort, and the Canons of Dort were written broad enough to allow moderate Calvinists to sign. Some of the Westminster Assembly Divines, like Calamy, held to this view also.

Zacharias Ursinus, Did Christ Die for All?

 

III. DID CHRIST DIE FOR ALL?

In answering this question we must make a distinction, so as to harmonize those passages of Scriptures which seem to teach contradictory doctrines. In some places Christ is said to have died for all, and for the whole world. "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” “That he, by the grace of God, should taste death for every man.” “We thus judge that if one died for all, then were all dead; and that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him that died for them, and rose again.” “Who gave himself a ransom for all,” &c. (1 John 2:2. Heb. 2:9. 2 Cor. 5:15. 1 Tim. 2:6.) The Scriptures, on the contrary, affirm in many places, that Christ died, prayed, offered himself, &c., only for many, for the elect, for his own people, for the Church, for his sheep, &c. "I pray for them; I pray not for the world ; but for them which thou hast given me, for they are thine,” that is. the elect alone. “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” “I am not sent, but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” “He shall save his people from their sins.” “ This is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” “Christ was once offered, to bear the sins of many.” “ By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many, for he shall bear their iniquities.” “Christ loved the Church, and gave himself for it.” (John 17:9. Matt. 20:28; 15:24; 1:21. Heb. 9:28. Is. 53:11. Eph. 5:25.)