THE MORAL INFLUENCE THEORY,
though
moral influence is incidental to all theories. But here it is the
principal thing, the sole need and aim of the atonement. Man, not God,
is to be propitiated; the work of Christ has no Godward aspect. If men
would repent under other moral influences, the atonement were
unnecessary. Christ is only a Saviour, not the Saviour. He is only one,
the most prominent, of many moral benefactors, the efficacy of whose
self sacrifice for others is the same in kind. He stands at the head of
the noble army of martyrs who by their unselfish labors and contagious
example of heroic self-immolation have turned many from sin unto
righteousness. If this does not discrown our Divine Lord Jesus it
certainly detracts from His honor as the unique Saviour. He cannot be
put into a class without dimming His glory. He must stand alone.
