Moral Influence Theory

The moral influence theory of the atonement maintains that the death of Christ was not necessary as a means of removing sin. Instead, the loving sacrifice of Christ, as such wonderful and selfless act, influences the hearts and minds of those who hear about it and moves them to repentance and trust in Christ.

The problem with this theory is that it violates the Scriptures that say that no one seeks for God (Romans 3:10-12), that the unbeliever cannot understand a receive spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:14), and that unbelievers are slaves of sin (Romans 6:14-10). Furthermore, the death of Christ was substitutionary (Isaiah 53:4-6; Matthew 20:28) and a legal act since the atonement for sin is the fulfillment of the law. After all, sin is breaking the law of God (1 John 3:4).