F.E. Marsh
Introduction

The Greatest Theme in the World

Christ crucified is the greatest theme in the universe, for it proclaims the greatest work ever performed by the greatest Person, and secures the greatest possible ends.

Will you listen to the concessions of a Unitarian on the great truth of Christ's atonement?

Thomas Starr King, a Unitarian, said: "The doctrine of the vicarious atonement is embodied by the holiest memories, as it has been consecrated by the loftiest talent of Christendom. It fired the fierce eloquence of Tertullian in the early Church, and gushed in honied periods from the lips of Chrysostom; it enlisted the life-long zeal of Athanasius to keep it pure; the sublimity of it fired every power, and commanded all the resources of the mighty soul of Augustine; the learning of Jerome, and the energy of Ambrose were committed to its defence; it was the text for the subtle eye and analytic thought of Aquinas; it was the pillar of Luther's soul, toiling for man; it was shapen into intellectual proportions and systematic symmetry by the iron logic of Calvin; it inspired the beautiful humility of Fénélon; it fostered the devotion and self-sacrifice of Oberlin; flowed like molten metal into the rigid forms of Edward's intellect, and kindled the deep and steady rapture of Wesley's heart. All the great enterprises of Christian history have been born from the influence, immediate or remote, which the vicarious theory of redemption has exercised upon the mind and heart of humanity."

Preaching Christ's atoning sacrifice we shall find it will be—

1. A Convincer of Sin,
   • as seen on the Day of Pentecost (Act 2:36-37).
2. A Bringer of Blessing,
   • as evidenced in the lame man and Peter's words (Act 3:13-19).
3. A Means of Forgiveness,
   • as Peter emphatically states (Act 5:29-31).
4. A Procurer of Joy,
   • as witnessed in the result of the Eunuch's faith (Act 8:29-39).
5. An Obtainer of the Spirit,
   • as was made known to Cornelius and those in his house (Act 10:39-44).
6. A Medium of Justification,
   • as Paul declared at Antioch (Act 13:38-39).
7. An Imparter of Responsibility,
   • as the Apostle intimates to the elders at Ephesus, when he charges them to care for Christ's purchased possession (Act 20:28).