Biblical Answer

The concept of theosis in Eastern Orthodox theology has a profound impact on our understanding of the human-divine relationship. At its core, theosis refers to the process of becoming like God, or being deified, as a result of one's relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This concept is deeply rooted in the Orthodox understanding of the Incarnation, where God becomes human in Jesus Christ, and humanity is recreated in the image of God. Theosis is not about humans becoming gods, but rather about becoming fully human, as God intended, through a deepening relationship with God. This understanding of theosis emphasizes the personal and relational nature of the human-divine relationship, where humans are called to participate in God's life and nature.

Theosis is often misunderstood in Western theology, where it is seen as a form of pantheism or a blurring of the lines between the divine and human. However, in Orthodox theology, theosis is not about humans sharing in God's unique ontological nature, but rather about becoming fully human, as God intended. This understanding of theosis is rooted in the Orthodox doctrine of the Trinity, where God is seen as a relational being, and humans are called to participate in this relational nature of God. Theosis is not a static state, but rather a dynamic process of growth and transformation, where humans are called to become more like God, through their relationship with God.

The concept of theosis has significant implications for our understanding of the human-divine relationship. It emphasizes the personal and relational nature of this relationship, where humans are called to participate in God's life and nature. Theosis also highlights the importance of the Incarnation, where God becomes human in Jesus Christ, and humanity is recreated in the image of God. This understanding of theosis challenges the Western notion of a distant, transcendent God, and instead presents a God who is intimately involved in human life, and who calls humans to participate in God's life and nature. Ultimately, theosis presents a vision of a deep and personal relationship between God and humanity, where humans are called to become fully human, as God intended.