Biblical Answer

The concept of theosis in Eastern Orthodoxy and the Western understanding of justification by faith alone may seem like two distinct and even contradictory concepts. However, upon closer examination, it is possible to reconcile these two ideas. Theosis, in Eastern Orthodoxy, refers to the process of becoming like God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the transformation of one's character. This concept is rooted in the biblical teaching that God created humanity in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27) and that we are called to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). Justification by faith alone, on the other hand, is a Western doctrine that emphasizes the imputation of Christ's righteousness to the believer, resulting in their justification before God.

While these two concepts may seem different, they are actually complementary. Theosis is not a means of earning salvation or achieving justification, but rather a natural consequence of a deepening relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. In other words, theosis is not a separate process from justification, but rather a result of it. When we are justified by faith, we are not only declared righteous, but we are also transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Christ in character and behavior. This transformation is theosis, and it is a lifelong process that continues after justification.

The key to reconciling theosis with justification by faith alone is to understand that both concepts are rooted in the same biblical teaching about the nature of God and humanity. The Bible teaches that God is a holy and loving God who desires to transform us into His image (Romans 8:29). Theosis is simply the Eastern Orthodox expression of this biblical teaching, while justification by faith alone is the Western expression. Both concepts emphasize the importance of faith in Jesus Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, theosis and justification by faith alone are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary expressions of the same biblical truth.