Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

College

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

Program

Religion, MA: New Testament

First Advisor

P. Richard Choi

Second Advisor

Cedric Vine

Abstract

Problem

This thesis addresses the question as to the identity of “I” in Romans 7 and the related spiritual experience. Romans 7 is a very complex chapter that has elicited multiple discussions, which still do not answer the theological problems satisfactorily. Such theological pluralism has also led to various views regarding sin and salvation. Since understanding sin and redemption are fundamental to one’s salvation, there are strong feelings related to the different positions taken. This has also been the case in Adventism, and, unfortunately, this has affected the unity of the church. Part of the problem is seeing the regenerate-unregenerate state of this man as the only two options, or, in turn, as mutually exclusive. Another major problem is the identification of the “I.” Those who affirm that the “I” is Paul in a regenerate or unregenerate state do not satisfactorily offer a solution for the identity of the “I” since no other Pauline passage describes Paul in this way in his pre-Christian or post-Christian experience. Other positions have been suggested that do not see the “I” as Paul, but as Adam, Israel, or Paul as a representative of all humanity, again without satisfactorily resolving the problem. Still others see two states in Rom 7:7-25: unregenerate in 7:7-13, which relates to Paul’s past, and regenerate in 7:14-25, which relates to Paul’s present. This study does not ignore the current controversy and sees some valuable points in every position. In an attempt to bring clarity to the ongoing debate, this study focuses on the identification of the “I” and its related spiritual state. Since the identification of the “I” and the tenses are the most problematic aspects in the interpretation of this passage, this study shows that both the “I” and the change of tenses are only literary devices used by Paul to exhort the believers concerning the impossibility of obeying the law.

Methodology

This investigation begins with a brief historical approach to the law in Judaism in Paul’s days, the place it had in salvation, and how this sheds light on the understanding of Romans 7. In addition, the concept of sin and the law will be examined in light of the first eight chapters of Romans, as this offers helpful insight in our discussion. With this background, an exegetical study will be provided, focusing on Rom 7:22-25 since these verses summarize well the spiritual struggle of this man, and the reason for his failure. They also act as a springboard for chapter 8.

Conclusions

This study concludes that the man of Romans 7 is a Christian who has come under the dominion of the law. With the use of common rhetorical devices and theological motifs of his time, it is evident that Paul is addressing an audience that has a knowledge of the law, and who are believers who desire to do God’s will, but who are in danger of failing in their best efforts to do what is right. This danger is due to a misunderstanding of the role of the law in salvation and a self-dependence on their efforts to live a sanctified life. The language of this chapter and the few references of Christ and the Holy Spirit provide a marked contrast with its preceding and following chapters, leaving no doubt that this description does not represent a converted person, but someone who is trying to keep the law by his own resources.

Subject Area

Bible. Romans 7--Criticism, interpretation, etc. ; Paul, the Apostle, Saint; Theological anthropology--Christianity; ;

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