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Monahorns's avatar

I think there is a problem with the Orthodox view of theosis not distinguishing between justification and sanctification. Granted, I am Protestant. But I think there is a fundamental issue in play, at least in how I understand the concept and have heard multiple Orthodox people describe it.

They describe it as a spectrum not a binary, which is fine, as far as we all at different places. But it doesn't address the question of "who will be with God forever". We are told over and over in the Bible to value the things of heaven, to give up the things of this world in order to receive the things of the world to come. We are told that what is waiting for us is "an eternal weight of glory." This means Jesus is worth any level of abuse, pain, or abasement in this world, because in the next world that is more than reversed by infinity.

Some of that heavenly life, we can experience here in this world, no doubt. That is the point the Orthodox make which I agree with. But what of the Christian in Gaza? He has to put his hope in what comes after he dies and is resurrected into. Theosis doesn't give him a clear answer, while I think the BIble does.

Theosis says keep working, keep drawing nearer to Christ. Again, not an incorrect statement. But when do you attain Christ and all that He has within Himself? I don't think the Orthodox can answer that problem, so their adherents never have peace or certainty, but terror that maybe they didn't draw close enough to Jesus. Yes, they say that God is also at work in them. But they still are left to wonder, did God work enough in me, did He love me enough, to save me from my earthly suffering and punishment in hell.

For the Protestant, the answer is clear. When you believe, it's done, but the proof of your faith is your works. Then assurance of salvation, which is very important, comes when you see yourself actively believing the Bible, fellowshipping with the saints, worshipping God joyfully, and obeying His commandments willingly. This is all in 1 John by the way. To me that is a very satisfying answer that answers the different question about the topic.

https://thecrosssectionrmb.blogspot.com/

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