The humiliation of Christ in the preaching of John Flavel (1627-1691)

Gibson, Paul (2022) The humiliation of Christ in the preaching of John Flavel (1627-1691). MTh(R) thesis, University of Glasgow in partnership with Edinburgh Theological Seminary.

Abstract

“The Humiliation of Christ in the Preaching of John Flavel” is a study of the Christ-centred, local congregational preaching of the Puritan John Flavel (1627-1691), with a specific focus on the theme of the humiliation of Jesus Christ.

The doctrine of Christ’s humiliation lies at the heart of the Christian gospel, and its exposition ought therefore to be central to the ministry of the church in every generation. If salvation is accomplished through the incarnation, life and death of the Son of God, it follows that the proclamation of these truths is a priority, irrespective of our historical context.

John Flavel’s ministry in Dartmouth on the south coast of England is an example of such preaching in the 17th -century Puritan tradition. Through a combination of doctrinal incisiveness, creative exploration, evangelistic appeal and rich pastoral application, his 42 sermon Fountain of Life (1673) series provides a benchmark in the preaching of Christ’s sufferings.

This thesis briefly explores the theme of Christ’s humiliation from an historical-theological perspective before focusing on Flavel’s own exposition of the doctrine. In particular, it surveys: the theological framework in which he understood humiliation; what he believed it includes; his particular emphases, and finally, his hermeneutical method and homiletical style. Some lessons for the church today are then drawn from the preceding analysis.

• Item Type: Thesis (MTh(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BR Christianity
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies
• Supervisor's Name: Ferguson, Dr. Sinclair B.
• Date of Award: 2022
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2022-82997
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 21 Jun 2022 09:58
• Last Modified: 02 Mar 2023 09:03
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.82997
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/82997