Christ died for all but his death (sacrifice) is only efficacious to those that believe. I have always said that.
The problem remains the same:
‘Christ died equally for all but is only efficacious on the condition of faith.’
John 3:16 does not allow for your interpretation.
Eternal life is the effect of the cause.
The cause is not man’s faith.
The cause is Christ's death.
You insist, as do many on this board, that unless man believes, Christ’s death is ineffectual.
Thus, you make man’s faith the effectual cause of eternal life, Christ’s sacrifice remaining ineffectual for most.
Scripture says no such thing.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The eternal intention of God was to sacrifice Christ to procure eternal life for men worldwide.
The men intended to be recipients of this gift are believers worldwide.
Your claim is that the eternal intention of God was two-fold:
1. To give the gift of Christ to all equally.
2. Not to give the gift to all equally, but only to those with faith.
Do you not see the quagmire in which you have beset yourself?
You posit conflicting intentions on the infinitely all-wise God.
Scripture, on the other hand, does not contradict itself.
Christ’s sinless life, death and resurrection were of such infinite value and efficacy that all spiritual blessings necessary for sinners to not only achieve justification, but to receive glorification were purchased by the merits of Christ.
Do you really expect our infinitely all-wise and all-powerful God to allow His Son’s excruciating holy sacrifice to fail to save even one person for whom it was intended?
If so,
Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. (Romans 8:33)
Paul plainly states justification is all of God.
Justification is by grace…..grace is of God.
Justification is by blood……..blood is of God.
Justified by Christ’s resurrection…….resurrection is of God.
Justification is by faith……….our faith is of God.
Justified by works…….our works are of God.
Paul goes on to say:
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (v.34)
No one for whom Christ died can ultimately be condemned.
Which brings us back to John 3:16.
Christ did not die for those who will ultimately be condemned.
Rather His death secured eternal life for all those whom God chose not to condemn: The Elect.