The concept of theosis, also known as divinization or deification, is a profound and deeply significant doctrine within the Christian tradition, particularly within Eastern Orthodoxy. However, it also resonates with themes found in other branches of Christianity, including non-denominational perspectives. Theosis refers to the transformative process by which a believer becomes more like God, participating in the divine nature through grace. This process is not about becoming God in essence but rather sharing in His divine life and attributes.
The foundation of theosis is deeply rooted in Scripture. One of the most explicit references is found in 2 Peter 1:4, where the Apostle Peter writes, "Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." This verse encapsulates the essence of theosis: participation in the divine nature through the promises of God.
The early Church Fathers, such as Athanasius of Alexandria, were instrumental in developing the doctrine of theosis. Athanasius famously stated, "God became man so that man might become god" (De Incarnatione, 54:3). This statement does not imply that humans become gods by nature but that through the incarnation of Christ, humanity is invited to partake in the divine life. The incarnation is central to theosis because it is through Christ's union with humanity that humans can be united with God.
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, theosis is closely linked with the concept of synergy, which refers to the cooperation between human free will and divine grace. This synergy is essential because it maintains the balance between God's initiative and human response. The process of theosis is not something that happens automatically or passively; it requires the active participation of the believer. This participation involves a life of prayer, fasting, repentance, and the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, which is seen as a means of receiving divine life.
One of the key theological underpinnings of theosis is the distinction between God's essence and energies, a concept articulated by Gregory Palamas in the 14th century. According to Palamas, while God's essence remains inaccessible and unknowable, His energies are the ways in which He manifests Himself and interacts with the world. It is through these divine energies that believers can experience and participate in God's life. This distinction helps to safeguard the transcendence of God while affirming the possibility of intimate communion with Him.
Theosis also has a strong ethical dimension. It is not merely about mystical experiences or spiritual insights but involves a transformation of the whole person, including moral and ethical behavior. As believers grow in the likeness of God, they are called to embody the virtues of love, humility, patience, and forgiveness. This ethical transformation is seen as a natural outflow of participating in the divine nature. As the Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
In the Western Christian tradition, particularly within Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, the concept of theosis is less emphasized but still present. For instance, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, spoke of "Christian perfection" or "entire sanctification," which bears similarities to the Eastern concept of theosis. Wesley believed that through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers could be perfected in love and freed from the power of sin. While not identical to theosis, Wesley's emphasis on sanctification reflects a similar concern for the transformative power of divine grace in the believer's life.
In contemporary Christian thought, theosis continues to be a topic of interest and discussion. Many theologians and scholars see it as a way to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western Christian traditions. Theosis offers a holistic vision of salvation that includes not only forgiveness of sins but also the transformation and renewal of the entire person. This vision resonates with the biblical narrative of creation, fall, and redemption, where God's ultimate purpose is to restore humanity to its original dignity and communion with Him.
The practical implications of theosis for the life of a believer are manifold. It calls for a life of continual growth and transformation, where every aspect of one's being is gradually conformed to the image of Christ. This process is often described as a journey, with its own challenges and struggles. Yet, it is also a journey marked by hope and assurance, grounded in the promises of God and the work of the Holy Spirit.
One of the most beautiful expressions of theosis can be found in the writings of St. Seraphim of Sarov, a renowned Russian Orthodox monk and mystic. He taught that the goal of the Christian life is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit, which leads to the transformation of the soul and the manifestation of divine love and joy. St. Seraphim's life and teachings exemplify the practical outworking of theosis, showing that it is not an abstract doctrine but a lived reality.
Theosis also has a communal dimension. It is not merely an individualistic pursuit but involves the entire body of Christ. The Church, as the community of believers, is called to be a foretaste of the Kingdom of God, where the divine life is shared and manifested in relationships of love and service. The Eucharist, in particular, is seen as a foretaste of the eschatological banquet, where believers are united with Christ and with one another in a profound and transformative way.
In conclusion, the orthodox belief of theosis is a rich and multifaceted doctrine that speaks to the heart of the Christian faith. It offers a vision of salvation that is both deeply personal and profoundly communal, rooted in the incarnation of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Through theosis, believers are invited to participate in the divine nature, to be transformed into the likeness of Christ, and to experience the fullness of life that God intends for His creation. This transformative journey is marked by grace, synergy, ethical living, and a deep sense of communion with God and with one another. As such, theosis remains a cornerstone of Christian theology and spirituality, offering hope and inspiration for believers across different traditions and contexts.
