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What was the purpose of Christ’s life according to Peter Abelard’s commentary on Romans?

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Peter Abelard Peter Abelard, with Héloïse, miniature portrait by Jean de Meun, 14th century; in the Musee Conde, Chantilly, France.

In his commentary on Romans, Peter Abelard proposed that the purpose of Christ’s life was to serve as a teacher and a role model, thereby revealing God’s love for humanity.1

According to this perspective, often referred to as the moral influence theory, the life and death of Jesus are intended to awaken a reciprocal love for God within the sinner. This internal transformation serves as the foundation for divine forgiveness and the reconciliation of humanity with God. Furthermore, Abelard emphasized that Christ’s intercessory prayer enhances the merits that humans are able to offer to God.12