Date of Award

5-1951

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Seminary

Abstract

The problem under consideration was an investigation of the Wesleyan doctrine of entire sanctification in the light of the Apostle Paul's use of the term "flesh" (sarx). No term, in connection with this doctrine, needs more careful study and analysis than does the word "flesh" as Paul used it in his New Testament epistles. Paul so closely identified this term with sin and salvation from sin that no one can adequately apprehend hamartiology (the doctrine of sin) and soteriology (the doctrine of salvation from sin) and ignore the Apostle's use of the word "flesh". Therefore, the problem centered around the question as to whether Paul gave the same meaning to the term "flesh" (sarx), every time he used it, or whether the word had different meanings depending on the line of truth he was presenting.

In light of the fact that the theological world has been so divided concerning the Apostle Paul's use of the term "flesh" (sarx), and because the available literature on the subject seemed meager and inadequate, supplementary objective investigation and study appeared both valuable and necessary. More extensive examination revealed that most commentators' interpretations of the Apostle Paul apparently have been determined by their theological positions rather than a careful inductive and exegetical study of the Scriptures under consideration. A review of existing writings on the subject disclosed a scarcity of material which further convinced this investigator that additional research was needed. Therefore, since there is a need for clear understanding of Paul's position t this point, this writer felt justified in making an honest effort to contribute the results of his study. Any doctrine of sin or of salvation from sin will be greatly influenced and affected by one's interpretation of Paul's meaning when he used the term "flesh".

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