One Calvinist doctrine teaches that Christ’s work is limited to JUST some people. The “L” in their TULIP acronym stands for limited atonement.

“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many [but not all].” – Matthew 20:28

Calvinists are not dispensationalists, and so it is easy to understand their conclusion when Prophecy and Mystery are confused.

In one part of the Bible salvation is offered to the “many,” but today it is offered freely to “all.”

In Prophecy, salvation was promised to one nation, an elect, Israel, representing only a few people on the earth. Jesus of Nazareth came only to them.

²⁴  But he answered and said, I am not sent but [except] unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 15:24 (KJV)
¹¹  He came unto his own, and his own received him not. John 1:11 (KJV)

Jesus’ ministry to the circumcision (Israel) was to confirm prophecy and promises to Israel.

⁸  Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: Romans 15:8 (KJV)
²²  Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. John 4:22 (KJV)

When Jesus from, heaven later revealed the Mystery of the gospel to Paul, he explained how grace could now be offered to all without Israel’s involvement (Rom 11:32). What was once limited was now offered to all without exclusion.

“[Christ Jesus] gave himself a ransom for ALL, to be testified in due time.” – 1 Tim 2:6

What was once limited to many (under Israel’s Prophesy and Law program concerning Israel), has now been sent to ALL (under Paul’s “Mystery [secret]” program of grace for all men). This is but one difference between Prophecy and Mystery. This distinction helps to dissolve the controversy with Calvinism.

It can also help with Hebrews. Hebrews speaks of the ransom to many (i.e., Israel), while Paul speaks of the ransom to all.

The confused confrontation continues between Calvinists and Arminians, but the issue can be simplified and solved by simply “rightly dividing” Israel’s Prophecy program … from the Pauline Mystery Program for the grace believer of “the body of Christ.”