Term

moral influence theory

The theory that Christ's death was a demonstration of God's love intended to move people to repentance, rather than a payment for sins.

Filed underChristologySoteriology

Definition

The theory that Christ's death was not a payment for sins, but simply a demonstration of God's love that moves us to repent and trust God.

Connections

Follow this entry through the Lexicon.

Related to

Sources

  1. 1.Wayne A. Grudem Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 2nd ed.. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020). 27C.4Original citation: Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020, 27C.4.

Last revised August 14, 2026