Theosis

Theosis

Theosis is the central goal of salvation in Orthodox theology. It means becoming united with God by participating in His divine nature through His energies, being transformed into His likeness by grace.

Salvation is therefore more than forgiveness of sins or avoidance of punishment. It is genuine transformation, being healed, restored, and brought into communion with the life of God Himself.

St. Athanasius famously summarized this mystery by saying, "God became man so that man might become god." This does not mean that human beings become God in essence or cease to be human, but that they share in God’s life, His energies, His love, and His holiness to such a degree that they are truly divinized.

Theosis is the fulfillment of humanity’s original purpose: the restoration and perfection of the image and likeness of God within us.

This transformation is not automatic or instantaneous. Theosis is a lifelong process that unfolds through synergy, God’s grace working together with human cooperation.

Participation in the sacraments is essential, especially the Eucharist, in which believers truly receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Through prayer, the faithful cultivate awareness of God’s presence, not merely asking for things but learning to dwell with Him.

Ascetic discipline plays a crucial role as well. Through fasting, self-control, and the struggle against the passions, the will is trained to desire what God desires rather than what fallen nature craves.

Immersion in the liturgical life of the Church allows Scripture, hymns, and prayers to shape how one sees and understands the world. All of these practices work together to purify the person, heal the wounds of sin, and reorient the whole of life toward God.