How do we know Christ's atonement is limited?

The limitation of Christ's atonement is drawn from the consistent teaching of Scripture across various passages. For example, Matthew 1:21 states that Jesus will save His people from their sins, clarifying that His sacrificial death is directed toward a defined group—His people. Similarly, John 17:9 shows Jesus distinguishing between those He is praying for and the world, emphasizing His intercession for the elect. Furthermore, passages like Ephesians 5:25 highlight Christ's love for the church, indicating that His sacrificial death was meant to sanctify and redeem this specific body of believers. This theological framework confirms the teaching that the atonement is effective for a select group of individuals rather than all humankind.