How does Eastern Orthodox "theosis" differ from Protestant "sanctification"?
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I'm seeking to understand the theological distinctions between two significant concepts in Christianity: **Eastern Orthodox *theosis* (deification/divinization)** and **Protestant *sanctification***.
While both terms describe a process of spiritual transformation and growth in the believer, my preliminary understanding suggests there are fundamental differences in their nature, scope, and the means by which they are understood to occur.
Specifically, I'm interested in answers that address:
1. **Definitions:** A concise theological definition of both *theosis* and *sanctification* from within their respective traditions.
2. **Nature of the Process:** Is the transformation described by each tradition primarily ontological (a real change in being), forensic (a change in legal status before God), relational (a change in relationship with God), or some combination of these?
3. **Role of Grace and Human Effort:** How do grace and human effort (or synergy) factor into each process?
4. **Goal/Telos:** What is the ultimate aim or culmination of each process? What does a "theosified" or "sanctified" person look like from each perspective?
5. **Key Theological Differences:** What are the most crucial points of divergence between the two concepts? Are there areas of unexpected overlap?
References to key theological sources or official teachings would be especially helpful.
Asked by user117426
(370 rep)
Aug 4, 2025, 05:08 PM
Last activity: Aug 5, 2025, 05:17 PM
Last activity: Aug 5, 2025, 05:17 PM