The Atonement

The Atonement is the most significant contribution to the Christian church by
Hugh Martin, an author of extraordinary penetration and great power. At a time
when the preaching of the cross has been displaced from many pulpits by talk
about man, and where experience-orientated theology has come to reign,
Martin's exposition of the atonement is a book that demands attention.
The great distinctive feature of The Atonement is the emphasis it places on the
importance of a covenant perspective, and its focus on the work of Christ as
priest. Martin was adamant that these are essential to the right interpretation
and proclamation of the doctrine of the atonement. In these pages the author
also exposes the mis-steps in theology that empty the cross of its meaning and
power. In doing so he notably expounds the concept of the double imputation of
sin and righteousness, devastatingly exposes the weaknesses of the theology of
F. W. Robertson, and treats the relationship between the atonement and the
moral law.
Hugh Martin was a man who thought through the truth from first principles,
always sensitive to the text of Scripture. His writings are characterised by a
powerful, original, compelling, sometimes blazing light and gospel logic that
demands and requires the closest attention and reflection. The way in which he
penetrates to the heart of the work of Christ and then expounds the gospel out
of its true centre calls for our best thinking and humblest spirits. For anyone
who wants to learn what it is to think about Christ's atonement these pages
will open up new vistas and indeed whole panoramas that will, when gazed on
with a loving and humble mind, fill the heart with love and praise.