THE answer to the inquiry, Who are the special objects of Christ’s atonement? would have been simple, if men had contented themselves with Scripture statements, and with ideas derived from Scripture. Whatever be the infinite value of the atonement, considered as a divine fact, as well as a human transaction, yet, in point of saving efficacy, it does not extend beyond the circle of those who believe in Christ. Though in intrinsic worth it could save the whole world, and a thousand worlds more, if there had been such worlds of human beings to be saved, yet the redemption-work does not extend, in point of fact, beyond the circle of those who approve of it as a fit and proper method of salvation; or, in other words, who, by a faith which is the gift of God, are led to accept it as the ground of reconciliation with God. It is simply co-extensive, as to saving effects, with the number of true believers. Of that there can be no doubt when we examine the words of Christ and abide by His teaching.—Prof. Smeaton’s “Our Lord’s Doctrine of the Atonement,” p. 371.