Biblical Answer

The concept of "theosis" in Eastern Orthodox theology refers to the idea that human beings can become like God, or even more specifically, that humans can become "deified." This concept is rooted in the understanding that God is not just a distant, transcendent being, but rather a personal God who is intimately involved in the lives of humans. Theosis is not about humans becoming gods in the classical sense, but rather about humans being transformed into the image of God, as described in the Bible. This transformation is not just about moral improvement, but rather about a deep and profound change in the very nature of the human person.

The idea of theosis is closely tied to the concept of the Incarnation, which is the central doctrine of Christianity. The Incarnation refers to the fact that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. This event is seen as a model for the transformation of human beings into the image of God. Through the Incarnation, God shows that he is willing to become like humans, to suffer and to die, in order to redeem humanity. This event is seen as a demonstration of God's love and his desire to be in relationship with humans. Theosis is not just a theoretical concept, but rather a lived experience, one that is grounded in the person of Jesus Christ and his relationship with God the Father.

The concept of theosis has significant implications for our understanding of the nature of human beings. It suggests that humans are not just rational, autonomous beings, but rather beings who are created in the image of God and are called to be in relationship with God. This relationship is not just about moral obedience, but rather about a deep and profound connection with the divine. Theosis is not just a individual experience, but rather a communal one, one that is grounded in the life of the Church and the community of believers. Through theosis, humans are called to become like God, to be transformed into the image of God, and to participate in the life of God. This is a truly radical and revolutionary concept, one that has the potential to transform human beings and to bring them into a deeper relationship with God.