Methodist theology affirms a universal atonement: Christ's atoning death was made on behalf of all humanity, without exception, providing a genuine possibility of salvation for every person. This Arminian position stands in direct contrast to the Reformed doctrine of definite (limited) atonement. Wesley's sermon 'Free Grace' (1739) passionately argued against Calvinist limited atonement, insisting that Christ's blood was shed for 'every soul of man.' The universal scope of Christ's atonement is grounded in God's desire that all be saved (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9).

Methodism affirms multiple dimensions of Christ's atoning work — substitution, sacrifice, moral influence, and Christus Victor — without requiring one theory as exclusively correct. Wesley himself used the language of penal substitution while also drawing on the moral influence theory and exemplarist motifs. The key distinctives are (1) that the atonement is universal in scope and (2) that its benefits are received through faith, enabled by prevenient grace, which restores to all people the freedom to respond. This universally-given grace does not guarantee universal salvation but makes it genuinely possible for all.