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The sacrifice of Jesus allows people to achieve salvation because of the inspiring moral influence that his life, death and resurrection had on humanity
- Note: This position is called the moral influence theory
Supporting arguments
Jesus' exemplary life provided a model and inspired humanity to moral self-improvement, thereby enabling salvation [1]
Opposing arguments
Jesus' suffering was a real and substantial replacement for the sins of mankind, despite it being less than the punishment due to humanity. Because of this atonement, God can maintain divine justice while allowing people to achieve salvation through faith and membership in the Christian church. [2]
- Related argument: Christian faith alone is sufficient to achieve salvation.
- Related argument: God allowed Jesus to receive the punishment due to mankind for sin, though Jesus' suffering was disproportionate to the sin that humanity is responsible for; this allowed God to offer salvation while maintaining divine justice.
Jesus actually and really suffered for the sins of humanity, allowing God to maintain his promise to keep divine justice. [3]
When Adam and Eve fell from grace in the Garden of Eden, they sold humanity's souls to Satan. Justice therefore required a ransom. God tricked Satan into accepting Jesus as a ransom, not knowing that Jesus would be resurrected. As a result of this trick, humsnity's souls have been freed so that they can achieve salvation. [4]
- Related argument: The fall of Adam and Eve sent humanity to Satan's clutches, requiring a ransom to redeem them, for which Satan was tricked into accepting Jesus, not knowing that death could not bind him; this freed the souls of mankind and enabled salvation.
- Related argument: Satan exists.
- Related argument: Jesus of Nazareth died and was resurrected.
Matthew 20:28 supports the view that Jesus died and suffered as a replacement for the punishment due to mankind for their sins. As a result, people who have appropriate faith are able to achieve Christian salvation. [5]
It is taught in the Exposition of Divine Faith, a scriptural work written by Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Hyo Won Eu, that Adam and Eve's betrayal of God's will allowed Satan to gain a superior position, thus resulting in mankind being born in sin and with a tendency to be sinful. Jesus avenged this event, thereby allowing mankind to achieve salvation. [6]
- Related argument: The Exposition of the Divine Principle is inspired scripture.
- Related argument: Jesus avenged the fall of Adam by thwarting Satan, thereby allowing people to overcome sin and achieve salvation.
- Related argument: People possess a state of sin that originates from the fall of Adam and Eve.
