Many puzzle as to whom Christ died for. Some say that He is a substitute for the whole world; others, that He died for only the elect. Both are wrong. He is a propitiation for the whole world, a substitute for all who believe. And believers are the elect of God, chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). The Word of God is plain.
The following illustration may serve to simplify: I put down a large sum of money on a table for a room full of people who are in debt. Are any benefited as to their debts? Not unless they believe. But some do believe me; what do they do? Why, take some, to be sure, and use it. Any who do not believe, leave it alone.
So Christ died for all (2 Cor. 5:14, 15). God hath set Him forth a propitiation for all (Rom. 3:25; 1 John 2:2). And all are hopeless debtors to God on account of their sins.
But some poor burdened one believes God, and can say of Christ, with Paul, "Who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). Christ is that person's substitute, and he may know too that he is one of the elect.
Another does not believe, and therefore remains in his sins; and not only so, but God will cast him into the lake of fire for his unbelief (Rev. 20:15).
"The sinner who believes is free,
Can say, The Savior died for me;
Can point to the atoning blood,
And say, This made my peace with God."
My reader, you may know that Christ died a propitiation for all; but unless you believe on Him, He is not your substitute, and you cannot be saved.
It is blessedly true that Christ died for all.
But can you say from the heart, Christ died for me.'