“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 (ESV)
The cross of Jesus is the clearest window into the heart of God. While Christians throughout history have reflected on the meaning of the cross in different ways, one powerful perspective is the Moral Influence Theory of Atonement. This view emphasizes that Christ’s death was not only a saving act but also a divine demonstration—an act of love so overwhelming that it awakens us, draws us, and transforms us.
Unlike theories that focus primarily on legal or cosmic transactions, the Moral Influence view says this: God sent His Son to show us what love looks like. A love that sacrifices. A love that absorbs hatred. A love that prays for enemies. A love that refuses to retaliate. A love that would rather die than stop loving.
When we look at the cross, we do not see a God who is distant or detached. We see the God who is “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Exod. 34:6) embracing a broken world. Jesus didn’t go to the cross to change God’s mind about us—He went to change our hearts toward God. In Christ crucified, we see the depth of our sin, but even more, we see the immeasurable depth of God’s mercy.
The 2nd-century theologian Peter Abelard, an early proponent of this view, said that Christ “illuminates the world by His teaching and kindles it by His example.” The cross reveals a God whose love is not only rescuing us, but reshaping us. As the apostle John put it, “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
So today, reflect on the cross—not only as a place where sin was dealt with, but as a place where love was revealed. Let that love sink deep into your heart. Let it undo your defenses, soften your bitterness, and ignite compassion in your soul. The moral influence of Christ’s love isn’t theoretical—it’s transformative.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, when I look at Your cross, I see a love that I cannot comprehend but desperately need. Thank You for showing me the heart of the Father in Your sacrifice. Let Your love shape my thoughts, my words, and my actions today. Teach me to love as You have loved me. Amen.
