Presbyterian theology, following the Westminster Confession, affirms definite (limited) atonement: Christ's atoning work was specifically designed and efficaciously accomplished for those whom the Father gave to the Son. The Westminster Confession (Chapter VIII.5) states that Christ 'purchased... an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him.' This means the atonement is not merely a provision of potential salvation for all but a secured redemption for the elect.

The Westminster Standards describe Christ's atoning work using the language of penal substitution and satisfaction as the primary framework: Christ bore the punishment that God's justice required for the elect's sins, satisfying divine justice and securing their reconciliation. The Larger Catechism (Q&A 44) describes Christ's priestly office as including his 'offering up himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice and reconcile us to God.' Active and passive obedience together constitute the full atonement: Christ's life of perfect law-keeping and his death paying the penalty of law-breaking.