Many proponants of general atonement (Christ's death was intended for the redemption of every individual in the world) will use 2 Peter 2:1 to argue against effectual atonement (Christ death was intended for the redemption of the elect only):
2 Peter 2:1 presents people who are: "false teachers...who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master." The arguement goes that these people are clearly not Christians and yet the master they deny "bought them." i.e. paid for them by his cross.
John Owen, after explaining why a proponant of general atonement would have to do this, sets out the many things they have to prove to make this reading of 2 Peter 2:1 support general atonement:
"first, that by the Lord is meant Christ as mediator [this greek word for "Master" is used no where else for Christ in the New Testament]; secondly, that by buying is meant spiritual redemption by the blood of the Lamb; thirdly, that these false teachers were really and effectualy so redeemed, and not only so accounted because of the church; fourthly, that those who are so redeemed may perish, contrary to the express scripture, Rev. 14:4; fifthly, manifest the strength of this inference, "Some in the church who have acknowledged Christ to be their purchaser fall away to blaspheme him, and perish forever; therefore, Christ bought and redeemed all that ever did or shall perish;" sixthly, that that which is common to all is a peculiar aggravation to the sin of any one more than others;-I will assure them they shall have more work provided for them, which themselves know for a good part already where to find."
- John Owen The Death of Death in the Death of Christ
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