I fully believe that in this matter I do not stand alone. I believe that
this same liberal view of the Atonement is held, consciously or
unconsciously, by the great majority of our ministers and members. If a
spontaneous answer were asked as to whether Christ died for the whole of
mankind or a part only, I feel sure that the general response would be
that he died for all. And I appeal to you, if that is not your most
inner and sacred conviction? In your best moods, when all theological
subtleties are put aside, can you endure the idea of a limited
Atonement? I appeal to all men of a candid, progressive mind, if we are
not really at one here? Then be faithful to that inner light. It is the
light of God.
This doctrine of universal Atonement was endorsed lately by the American
Presbyterian Church. In Article VIII of the "Brief Statement" adopted by
that Church, these words occur: "For us He fulfilled all righteousness,
and satisfied eternal justice, offering Himself a perfect sacrifice upon
the cross to take away the sin of the world." Thus the American Church
has moved unto the broader basis of universal Atonement.