his opinions in early life, his commentaries, which were the labors of his riper years, demonstrate in the most unequivocal manner that he received and taught the doctrine of a general or universal atonement.”10 Whether that be true or not, it is true that Calvin’s comments on some of the most controverted passages make one hesitant to assign him the role of a limited redemptionist. For example, on John 3:16, he said: “… The Heavenly Father loves the human race, and wishes that they should not perish.”11