This dissertation argues the thesis that the doctrine of entire sanctification may be reevaluated along Christological lines. This is accomplished by reconsidering the doctrine of atonement; i.e. the doctrine that the death of Christ secures salvation from sin. This doctrine is generally believed to be about humanity and their need for salvation, but I propose that it gains added value and richness when it is interpreted as the story of the sanctification of Christ’s own humanity. In his life and death, Christ became entirely sanctified: by crowning his holy life with a holy death, by retaining his holiness under the severest pressure, and by making in death the utmost commitment to the will of the Father. The so-called theories or models of the atonement are open to the new reading that these express a model of entire sanctification, both for Christ himself as he became sanctified and for believers to follow as they go on to perfection.

In support of the argument this essay conducts a brief historical sketch of early holiness theology from John Wesley and his close associates to Methodism and the Holiness movement, tracing the development of the doctrine and noting the shift, particularly in the Holiness movement, towards pneumatological expressions such as “the baptism of the Holy Ghost.” The study concludes that the doctrine of entire sanctification appears to be in decline. The essay considers three contemporary figures who have made proposals for the recovery of Wesleyan theology, William J. Abraham, Elaine A. Heath, and D. Lyle Dabney, but finds weaknesses in their proposals. The essay then presents and defends the main thesis stated above as a counter-proposal.

The dissertation concludes with three chapters examining three different models of the atonement as represented by three theologians: Athanasius of Alexandria, Martin Luther, and R. C. Moberly. The purpose of these studies is to demonstrate how the thesis may be applied to three different models and to suggest that it may plausibly be applied to many others.

The essay concludes with a brief summary note and suggestions for future application of the main thesis.