Date of Award

5-1959

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Seminary

Abstract

The Bible as a whole establishes the doctrine of sin. The New Testament doctrine of sin is developed on the foundation of the Old Testament doctrine of sin. Paul and John speak particularly on the doctrine of sin as a whole. So a study of their doctrine of sin would contribute to a total Biblical understanding. The problem of this study is the Biblical doctrine of sin limited to the New Testament writers, John and Paul, as they speak of the doctrine of sin, in relation to the doctrine of sin as a whole. Since the problem concerns the doctrine of sin as stated by the New Testament writers, John and Paul, in relation to the doctrine of sin as a whole, it is necessary to consider several definite facts. In order to understand sin it is first necessary to show its relationship to man in a study of theological anthropology. It is also necessary to show the relationship of Paul and John's doctrine of sin.

In order to correctly understand either John or Paul's doctrine of sin it is first necessary to review the Bible teaching regarding man in relation to sin. The doctrine of sin is not understood apart from man. The study of man in relation to sin is titled "Theological Anthropology." It is presented as the first study in order to fully understand man in relation to the biblical doctrine of sin. Man's origin, man as a sinner and man under grace are the three aspects of this study of theological anthropology. John and Paul are generally recognized as the main theologians in the New Testament. John's purpose in writing the Gospel was to convince the reader that this was the Christ and that believing he should have eternal life. His purpose in the First Epistle was the enhance his joy, to keep the Christian from sin, to lead them into an assurance of salvation and to warn them against error. Certain aspects of the doctrine of sin are still presented in the Gospel. More of the doctrine of sin appears in the First Epistle of John. Therefore it is necessary to study the terms which mean sin or describe certain aspects of sin in order to discern John's doctrine of sin as a whole.

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