Biblical Answer

Reconciling Theosis with Justification by Faith Alone

The concept of theosis in Eastern Orthodoxy and the Western understanding of justification by faith alone may seem mutually exclusive at first glance. However, a closer examination of the underlying theological frameworks reveals potential areas of convergence.

Understanding Theosis and Justification

Theosis, in Eastern Orthodoxy, refers to the process of becoming like God, where the individual's nature is transformed through their relationship with Christ. This concept is rooted in the idea of deification, where God's image is restored in humanity. In contrast, justification by faith alone, as understood in the Western tradition, emphasizes the imputation of righteousness through faith in Christ, rather than any inherent merit or effort on the part of the individual. While theosis focuses on the transformation of the individual, justification by faith alone focuses on the forensic aspect of salvation, where the individual is declared righteous before God.

Potential Convergence

Despite the apparent differences, there are potential areas of convergence between theosis and justification by faith alone. Both concepts emphasize the transformative power of Christ and the importance of a personal relationship with God. In theosis, this relationship is seen as a means of becoming like God, while in justification by faith alone, it is seen as a means of receiving God's righteousness. Additionally, both concepts emphasize the importance of faith as a necessary condition for salvation. In theosis, faith is seen as a means of participating in God's life, while in justification by faith alone, faith is seen as the means of receiving God's righteousness. While theosis and justification by faith alone may differ in their emphasis, they share a common commitment to the transformative power of Christ and the importance of a personal relationship with God.

Implications for Evangelical Theology

The convergence of theosis and justification by faith alone has implications for evangelical theology. It suggests that the Western understanding of justification by faith alone may not be mutually exclusive with the Eastern understanding of theosis. In fact, the two concepts may complement each other, with theosis providing a deeper understanding of the transformative power of Christ and the importance of a personal relationship with God. This convergence also highlights the importance of a nuanced understanding of the relationship between faith and works, where faith is seen as a necessary condition for salvation, but not sufficient in and of itself. By embracing theosis and justification by faith alone as complementary concepts, evangelicals may be able to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the Christian life, where the individual's nature is transformed through their relationship with Christ, and they are declared righteous before God through faith.