This is what “salvation” means, in Christianity
For us Orthodox the unique and absolute goal of life in Christ is theosis, our union with God, so that man – through his participation in God’s uncreated energy – may become “by the Grace of God” that which God is by nature (without beginning and without end). This is what “salvation” means, in Christianity.
So, as Christians we know that salvation is an ongoing process that, as believers, we are called to cooperate in. We are instructed to “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). The Apostle Paul made clear the necessity of human cooperation when he told us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure (Philippians 2:1-13)”.
Based on Protopresbyter George Metallinos, Dean of the University of Athens School of Theology
A photo of the domed ceiling in the Chapel of Paramythia at Vatopaidi.
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Bruce
Can you share more about participation in God’s uncreated energy? How does one do this in a practical way day by day?
Ioan Toma
Yes, sure. “Virtue(s)” means everything which makes us to participate to these energies. Sin is the happening, either in mind either in the real world, which cut us out from these.
Hence, by praying (correct relation with God), by being merciful (correct relation with the others), by blaming ourselves (correct relation with our inner world) we (re)align ourselves to the existential plane on which these energies come.
Of course, there are much more deeds which put us in front of these heavenly rays (or put us away if our deeds & thoughts are sinful).
In short, “making God’s will” = participation to God’s uncreated energy = leads to deification>
https://asceticexperience.com/2016/09/deification-our-purpose/
Orthodox
Thank you very much for this spiritual lesson.
So everyone, in order to begin to turn towards God, should try to accomplish three tasks and say to (her)himself:
EVERY DAY:
1. PRAY = For Correct Relation with God,
2. BE MERCIFUL = For Correct Relations with the Others,
3. BLAME YOURSELF = For Correct Relation with the Inner World (Spirit).
May your time be filled always with All Blessings, including Peace and Joy. You are a Great Theologian!
Ioan Toma
🙂
The things are much more lively than that, as you know. 🙂
Orthodox
You are right, there are a lot to do. These three tasks tell us the way for the other virtues too.
For example, if someone treats us unjustly, we should say:
a) “Be merciful with this person” because (s)he has afraid for the future of her/him life in earth and don’t really know God and the real life in Heaven.
b) “It’s my fault”, because God allowed something to happen for me for my benefits: redemption of sins, being objective for my part of fault, to pray more to God, etc. Because of these benefits, we should say always “Thank you God!”.
c) “Pray to God” for the best outcome in this situation.
If we act so, we will not be at least so much desperate, angry, proud, etc. We should be able to cultivate humility, one of the best virtues. More we act so, more we will increase the spiritual level.
So, putting your excellent lessons in practice help us to put in practice nearly all virtues. As you teach us, three are the relations of everyone in life: (1) Relation with God, (2) other people and (3) our inner self. You already gave us the key is needed for each of these relations.
Thank you so much!
Have All Blessings and be Happy Always! 🙂