Deification, also known as theosis in Greek, is a concept deeply rooted in Orthodox Christian theology. It is believed to be the ultimate goal of every Christian, the process through which a person can become like God and even attain godhood through divine grace. This idea stems from the biblical notion that humanity is created in the image and likeness of God.
The concept of deification may initially sound startling or even blasphemous to some, as it seems to imply that humans can become equal to or replace God. However, this is not the case. Deification does not mean that humans can become gods in the sense of being equal to the divine essence or nature of God. Orthodox Christians firmly believe in the absolute transcendence and uniqueness of God. Rather, deification is about participating in the divine nature and sharing in the energies or activities of God.
In Orthodox theology, the concept of deification is closely tied to the idea of salvation. The ultimate aim of salvation is not just to escape punishment or attain a heavenly reward, but to be transformed and united with God. This transformation involves the purification and illumination of the human person, leading to a union with the divine. It is a process that encompasses the whole person – body, soul, and spirit.
The path to deification begins with baptism, which is seen as the initiation into the life of Christ and His Church. Through baptism, the individual becomes a member of the body of Christ and receives the Holy Spirit. This indwelling of the Holy Spirit is crucial in the journey towards deification. It is the Spirit who sanctifies and empowers the believer to live a life in accordance with God’s will.
Deification is not an instantaneous or automatic process. It requires the cooperation and synergy between God’s grace and human effort. This effort involves the cultivation of virtues, repentance, prayer, fasting, participation in the sacraments, and the constant striving for holiness. It is a lifelong journey of transformation and growth in the likeness of God.
While deification is the goal for every Christian, it is important to note that it does not entail the loss of individuality or personal identity. Rather, it is the fulfillment of one’s true self in communion with God. In the process of deification, one’s unique personhood is fully realized and enhanced, as the person becomes more and more like the perfect image of Christ.
It is worth mentioning that the concept of deification is not limited to Orthodox Christianity. In other Christian traditions, such as Catholicism and Anglicanism, similar ideas can be found. The Eastern Christian understanding of deification has its roots in the early Church Fathers, who reflected on the biblical teachings and sought to articulate the transformative nature of the Christian life.
Personally, I have found the concept of deification to be both profound and inspiring. It offers a vision of human potential that goes beyond mere moral improvement or self-help. It reminds us that we are created for communion with God and that through His grace, we can participate in His divine life. This understanding of deification has helped me to approach my own spiritual journey with a sense of purpose and hope, knowing that there is a transformative goal awaiting me. While I recognize the limitations of my humanity, I also hold onto the belief that, by God’s grace, I can grow closer to Him and be transformed into His likeness.
Deification is the goal of every Orthodox Christian. It is the process through which a person can become like God, not in essence but in participation in His divine nature and energies. It involves the transformation and union of the whole person with God. Deification is a lifelong journey that requires the synergy between God’s grace and human effort. It is a concept deeply rooted in the tradition of the Church and offers a profound understanding of human potential and the purpose of salvation.