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SalvationSalvation

A study of the Orthodox view A study of the Orthodox view on Salvationon Salvation

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Section I – IntroductionSection I – Introduction

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I – What is SalvationI – What is Salvation

deliverance from something, rescue, deliverance from something, rescue, saved from a person or place.saved from a person or place.

Redemption, granting freedomRedemption, granting freedom Most religions give emphasis to Most religions give emphasis to

salvation in one form or anothersalvation in one form or another

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To Understand Christian To Understand Christian Salvation we need to Salvation we need to understand 2 fundamental understand 2 fundamental truths of Orthodoxy:truths of Orthodoxy:

1) H. Trinity1) H. Trinity 2) Incarnation2) Incarnation

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Who is our saviorWho is our savior

JESUS CHRISTJESUS CHRIST "And there is salvation in no one else; for "And there is salvation in no one else; for

there is no other name under heaven that there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we has been given among men by which we must be saved" (must be saved" (Acts 4:12).).

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Section II – Section II – What does humanity need What does humanity need

salvation from? salvation from?

Why do we need a savior?Why do we need a savior?

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The FallThe Fall Humanity made in the “image and likeness of God” Humanity made in the “image and likeness of God”

(Gen 1:26)(Gen 1:26) ““The image is that which man possesses The image is that which man possesses

from the beginning, and which enables him to set from the beginning, and which enables him to set out in the first place upon the spiritual Way; the out in the first place upon the spiritual Way; the likeness is that which he hopes to attain at his likeness is that which he hopes to attain at his journey’s end.” (Bishop Kallistos Ware, The journey’s end.” (Bishop Kallistos Ware, The Orthodox Way, pg. 51)Orthodox Way, pg. 51)

image = potentiality; likeness = realizationimage = potentiality; likeness = realization

Man had free will Man disobeys God. He used Man had free will Man disobeys God. He used something in creation for his own selfish gain and something in creation for his own selfish gain and not for the glory of God. Man “falls”. This Fall is not for the glory of God. Man “falls”. This Fall is called ‘sin’. called ‘sin’.

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What was the consequence of What was the consequence of the Fall? the Fall?

““but you must not eat from the tree of the but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." (Gen 2:17)you will surely die." (Gen 2:17)Death was the effectDeath was the effect – death entered the world – death entered the world through the fall. Rom 5:12 – “For as through one through the fall. Rom 5:12 – “For as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through man sin entered into the world, and death through sin;”sin;”

Creation as a whole became tarnished by sin. Creation as a whole became tarnished by sin. “Cursed is the ground because of you” (Gen 3:17)“Cursed is the ground because of you” (Gen 3:17)““We know that the whole creation has been We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” (Rom. 8:22)present time.” (Rom. 8:22)

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What was the consequence of What was the consequence of the Fall?the Fall?

No man is an island. We are members of No man is an island. We are members of one another. So “fall of first humans” one another. So “fall of first humans” affected all of humanity. There is a leaning affected all of humanity. There is a leaning towards sin. (Rom 7)towards sin. (Rom 7)

Humanity lost its communion with God. Humanity lost its communion with God. They hid themselves from God among the They hid themselves from God among the trees of the garden.trees of the garden.

There is a gulf or gap between humanity There is a gulf or gap between humanity and God. Humanity has lost the potentiality. and God. Humanity has lost the potentiality.

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This is the situation from which This is the situation from which humanity needs a savior. humanity needs a savior.

DEATH – DEATH – sin, sin, satan, satan, separation from God.separation from God.

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Section III – Section III –

How is humanity saved?How is humanity saved?

What does the incarnate son of What does the incarnate son of God do for salvation?God do for salvation?

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In order to fix this dilemma God In order to fix this dilemma God the Father sent his only begotten Son the Father sent his only begotten Son into the world. (John 3:16)into the world. (John 3:16)

““WHO FOR US MEN, AND FOR WHO FOR US MEN, AND FOR OUR SALVATION CAME DOWN FROM OUR SALVATION CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN” – Nicene CreedHEAVEN” – Nicene Creed

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2 Points to keep in mind2 Points to keep in mind 1) Unity of Christ’s work1) Unity of Christ’s work Incarnation, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Incarnation, Crucifixion, Resurrection,

Ascension are all part of the one work of Jesus Ascension are all part of the one work of Jesus Christ. To isolate one historical event is not Christ. To isolate one historical event is not appropriate if it takes away from another. appropriate if it takes away from another.

““He was delivered over to death for our sins He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” Rom and was raised to life for our justification.” Rom 4:254:25

““O Lord, we commemorate Thy death, confess O Lord, we commemorate Thy death, confess Thy resurrection and await Thy second coming.” – Thy resurrection and await Thy second coming.” – H. Qurbana AnamnesisH. Qurbana Anamnesis

Moranaya Days (Days related to our Lord)Moranaya Days (Days related to our Lord)

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2 Points to keep in mind2 Points to keep in mind 2) Mystery of Christ’s work. 2) Mystery of Christ’s work.

All human explanations are All human explanations are insufficient to capture the full insufficient to capture the full meaning of what Jesus Christ meaning of what Jesus Christ accomplished through the cross. accomplished through the cross. Several pictures have been given to Several pictures have been given to us from the H. Scripture and Fathers.us from the H. Scripture and Fathers.

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1. Incarnation – “taking 1. Incarnation – “taking flesh” flesh” Son of God shared in humanity’s pain and Son of God shared in humanity’s pain and

became one among us.became one among us. Christ saves us by becoming what we are. Christ saves us by becoming what we are.

Through this he lifts humanity back to its Through this he lifts humanity back to its potential – uniting humanity with divinity. potential – uniting humanity with divinity. Jesus is perfect God and perfect man. (2 Cor Jesus is perfect God and perfect man. (2 Cor 8:9)8:9)

““God became man in order for man to God became man in order for man to become God.” St. Athanasiusbecome God.” St. Athanasius

““Than samyam naam poontituvan nammude Than samyam naam poontituvan nammude samyam avan poontu” (“That we may samyam avan poontu” (“That we may become like Him, He put garb of our become like Him, He put garb of our likeness”)– Hymns of Sleeba Morning Prayer.likeness”)– Hymns of Sleeba Morning Prayer.

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2. Renewing the image of 2. Renewing the image of GodGod ““You created man out of earth and placed him in You created man out of earth and placed him in

paradise, and when he transgressed Your paradise, and when he transgressed Your commandment, You did not leave him straying, but commandment, You did not leave him straying, but did guide him by the prophets, and in the fullness of did guide him by the prophets, and in the fullness of time You sent Your Only-begotten Son into the world, time You sent Your Only-begotten Son into the world, Who when he had taken flesh of the Holy Spirit and of Who when he had taken flesh of the Holy Spirit and of the Virgin Mary, the Virgin Mary, renewed Your imagerenewed Your image which was which was worn out.” – H. Qurbana Anaphora of St. Jamesworn out.” – H. Qurbana Anaphora of St. James

Recreation of humanity – Christ as second AdamRecreation of humanity – Christ as second Adam “ “As in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made As in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made

alive.” 1 Cor 15:22; Rom 5alive.” 1 Cor 15:22; Rom 5 Creation as a whole – “Nothing can equal the miracle Creation as a whole – “Nothing can equal the miracle

of my salvation: a few drops of blood recreate the of my salvation: a few drops of blood recreate the whole world.” St. Gregory of Nazianzen (Quoted in V. whole world.” St. Gregory of Nazianzen (Quoted in V. Lossky Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church, pg. Lossky Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church, pg. 153).153).

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3. The Lamb of God who takes 3. The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.away the sins of the world. Jesus Christ offers us forgiveness of sins by Jesus Christ offers us forgiveness of sins by

becoming the perfect offering on the cross. becoming the perfect offering on the cross. In the Old Testament offerings were given to In the Old Testament offerings were given to

God for the forgiveness of sins. But God God for the forgiveness of sins. But God offered himself once and for all.offered himself once and for all.

““For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” 1 Cor 5:7sacrificed.” 1 Cor 5:7

““The next day John saw Jesus coming toward The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” St. John takes away the sin of the world!” St. John 1:291:29

““but with the precious blood of Christ, a but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” 1 Pet 1:19lamb without blemish or defect.” 1 Pet 1:19

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3. The Lamb of God who takes 3. The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.away the sins of the world. ““He was oppressed and afflicted, He was oppressed and afflicted,

       yet he did not open his mouth;        yet he did not open his mouth;        he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,        he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,        and as a sheep before her shearers is        and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, silent,        so he did not open his mouth.” Isaiah        so he did not open his mouth.” Isaiah 53:753:7

““Lord God, Lamb of God and word of the Lord God, Lamb of God and word of the Father, who takes away the sin of the world, Father, who takes away the sin of the world, be gracious to all. You, who take away the sin be gracious to all. You, who take away the sin of the world, incline your ear to us and receive of the world, incline your ear to us and receive our prayers.” – Angelic Hymn our prayers.” – Angelic Hymn

Humanity’s sin is forgiven and pardoned by Humanity’s sin is forgiven and pardoned by the perfect sacrifice of Christ upon the cross. the perfect sacrifice of Christ upon the cross.

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4. Redemption – (Ransom, 4. Redemption – (Ransom, bought with a price)bought with a price)

Jesus through his death upon the cross Jesus through his death upon the cross redeems us from “death” (sin, satan, redeems us from “death” (sin, satan, separation from God)separation from God)

Jesus died in our place.Jesus died in our place. ““Taking a body like our own, because all our Taking a body like our own, because all our

bodies were liable to corruption and death, He bodies were liable to corruption and death, He surrendered His body to death surrendered His body to death in placein place of all, of all, and offered it to the Father. This He did out of and offered it to the Father. This He did out of sheer love for us, so that in His death all might sheer love for us, so that in His death all might die, and the law of death thereby be die, and the law of death thereby be abolished.” St. Athanasius On Incarnationabolished.” St. Athanasius On Incarnation

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4. Redemption – (Ransom, 4. Redemption – (Ransom, bought with a price)bought with a price) ““just as the Son of Man did not come to be just as the Son of Man did not come to be

served, but to serve, and to give his life as a served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransomransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 for many.” Matthew 20:28

Christ has paid the price for all.Christ has paid the price for all.“For you have been bought with a price: “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Cor. 6:20therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Cor. 6:20“You were bought with a price; do not become “You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.” 1 Cor 7:23slaves of men.” 1 Cor 7:23

redemption – “a term which implies the idea of a redemption – “a term which implies the idea of a debt, or the payment of a ransom for the release debt, or the payment of a ransom for the release of captives, and is borrowed from legal practice” of captives, and is borrowed from legal practice” – Vladimir Lossky – Vladimir Lossky The Mystical Theology of the The Mystical Theology of the Eastern ChurchEastern Church (pg. 151) (pg. 151)

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4. Redemption – (Ransom, 4. Redemption – (Ransom, bought with a price)bought with a price)

Redemption implies freedom. The slave is freedRedemption implies freedom. The slave is freed

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entagled again has made us free, and do not be entagled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Gal 5:1)with a yoke of bondage.” (Gal 5:1)

““Blessed is the delightful offering and glorious is Blessed is the delightful offering and glorious is the Sweet Fruit Who was offered for us and the Sweet Fruit Who was offered for us and cleansed us, and by His sanctifying oblation cleansed us, and by His sanctifying oblation hallowed us. The Lamb, the Son of the Virgin Ewe, hallowed us. The Lamb, the Son of the Virgin Ewe, Who ascended the Cross and redeemed us, and Who ascended the Cross and redeemed us, and delivered us from the sacrifices of dumb animals.” delivered us from the sacrifices of dumb animals.” – Promeon of H. Qurbana– Promeon of H. Qurbana

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5. Mediator5. Mediator who reconciles humanity to God who reconciles humanity to God ““that God was in Christ reconciling that God was in Christ reconciling

the world to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19)the world to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19) ““For there is one God, and one For there is one God, and one

mediator between God and men, the mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” 1 Tim 2:5man Christ Jesus” 1 Tim 2:5

He bridges the gulf created by the He bridges the gulf created by the fall.fall.

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6. Healing6. Healing Sin is an illness that needs healing.Sin is an illness that needs healing. ““And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching

in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing all kinds of the kingdom and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.” (Matt 4:23)people.” (Matt 4:23)

"I am the Lord who heals you." (Exodus "I am the Lord who heals you." (Exodus 15:26).15:26).

When Jesus healed he also said “Your sins When Jesus healed he also said “Your sins are forgiven”are forgiven”

This is one reason why Christ had to be fully This is one reason why Christ had to be fully human. “The unassumed is unhealed.” St. human. “The unassumed is unhealed.” St. Gregory NazianzenGregory Nazianzen

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7. Trampling upon death7. Trampling upon death ““by Thy death trampling this our death” – Hymn of by Thy death trampling this our death” – Hymn of

St. Severus of Antioch (opening Hym of H. St. Severus of Antioch (opening Hym of H. Qurbana)Qurbana)

"Death has been swallowed up in victory." "Where, "Death has been swallowed up in victory." "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?." The sting of death is sin, and the power of sting?." The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. (I Cor 15: 54 -56) Death is the last sin is the law. (I Cor 15: 54 -56) Death is the last great enemy 1 Cor 15:26great enemy 1 Cor 15:26

Freed from the power of sin. So that we can lead Freed from the power of sin. So that we can lead victorious life.victorious life.

importance of Resurrection – resurrection confirms importance of Resurrection – resurrection confirms the victory of the cross. Every Sunday is a mini the victory of the cross. Every Sunday is a mini Easter.Easter.

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8. Opening up gates to 8. Opening up gates to paradiseparadise

Adam had to leave paradise but now Adam had to leave paradise but now humanity can re-enter it.humanity can re-enter it.

““Today You Will Be With Me In Today You Will Be With Me In Paradise” Luke 23:43Paradise” Luke 23:43

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Section IV – Section IV –

How can we experience this How can we experience this salvation?salvation?

Salvation is accomplished by Salvation is accomplished by gracegrace in response to in response to faithfaith..

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1. Grace1. Grace ““being justified as a gift by His grace being justified as a gift by His grace

through the redemption which is in through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” Rom 3:24Christ Jesus” Rom 3:24

““grace – for it is by this name that we grace – for it is by this name that we know the know the deifying energiesdeifying energies which which the Holy Spirit communicates to us.” the Holy Spirit communicates to us.” (Lossky, The Mystical Theology of the (Lossky, The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church, pg. 86)Eastern Church, pg. 86)

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2. Faith – 2. Faith – Faith is the starting point for person’s salvation.Faith is the starting point for person’s salvation. ““whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have

everlasting life.” (John 3:16)everlasting life.” (John 3:16) ““But without faith But without faith it isit is impossible to please impossible to please Him,Him, for for

he who comes to God must believe that He is, and he who comes to God must believe that He is, and thatthat He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6)Him.” (Heb. 11:6)

Faith is not an intellectual assent to a set of Faith is not an intellectual assent to a set of propositions. It isn’t simply saying yes to a set of propositions. It isn’t simply saying yes to a set of questions. It is not a matter of the head but a matter questions. It is not a matter of the head but a matter of the heart which moves the hands and feet to of the heart which moves the hands and feet to action.action.

Repentance brings faith. Changing of the mind. This Repentance brings faith. Changing of the mind. This is a continuous action. Not just once but daily.is a continuous action. Not just once but daily.

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3. Life 3. Life inin Christ Christ How do we enter a life in Christ?How do we enter a life in Christ? H. Baptism H. Baptism ““For as many of you as were baptized For as many of you as were baptized

into Christ have put on Christ.”into Christ have put on Christ.” Gal Gal 3:273:27

Baptism is our death, burial and Baptism is our death, burial and resurrection in union with Jesus Christ resurrection in union with Jesus Christ (Rom 6:5-11)(Rom 6:5-11)

Union with Christ.Union with Christ.

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4. Anointed with Holy Spirit4. Anointed with Holy Spirit H. Chrismation.H. Chrismation. We become Christs. Personal Pentecost We become Christs. Personal Pentecost ““Unless one is born of water and of Spirit Unless one is born of water and of Spirit

he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.”he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.” ““All are filled with the Spirit” – Acts 2:4All are filled with the Spirit” – Acts 2:4 Spirit bearers – “O Holy Spirit make us Spirit bearers – “O Holy Spirit make us

worthy temples of thy holy habitation.”worthy temples of thy holy habitation.”

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5. As members of the Body of 5. As members of the Body of ChristChrist

Salvation for those who experience this Salvation for those who experience this new birth takes place in the Church. new birth takes place in the Church.

““Husbands, love your wives, just as Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for herHimself for her” – Eph 5:25” – Eph 5:25

““the Church is both the the Church is both the preparation preparation forfor and the and the experienceexperience of the life of the of the life of the Kingdom of God here and now.” (Clark Kingdom of God here and now.” (Clark Carlton, The Life, The Orthodox Doctrine of Carlton, The Life, The Orthodox Doctrine of Salvation, pg. 86).Salvation, pg. 86).

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6. After the second coming. 6. After the second coming. General ResurrectionGeneral Resurrection ““and He will come again in His great glory to judge and He will come again in His great glory to judge

both the living and the dead” – Nicene Creedboth the living and the dead” – Nicene Creed separation of those on the right hand and left separation of those on the right hand and left

(Matthew 25)(Matthew 25) ““For those who love God, resurrection from the For those who love God, resurrection from the

dead and the presence of God will be paradise. For dead and the presence of God will be paradise. For those who hate God, resurrection from the dead those who hate God, resurrection from the dead and the presence of God will be hell.” – Fr. Thomas and the presence of God will be hell.” – Fr. Thomas Hopko (http://www.oca.org/OCchapter.asp?Hopko (http://www.oca.org/OCchapter.asp?SID=2&ID=23)SID=2&ID=23)

We will become like Him –We will become like Him – ““Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth

not yet appear what we shall be: but we know not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” I John 3:2for we shall see him as he is.” I John 3:2

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7. Theosis 7. Theosis Deification or becoming like God will be fulfilled Deification or becoming like God will be fulfilled

only in the age to come. The growth begins in only in the age to come. The growth begins in this life but it is a continual process into eternity.this life but it is a continual process into eternity.

Deification is to become what God made us to Deification is to become what God made us to be.be.

““But we all, with open face beholding as in a But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor 3:18Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor 3:18

““Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” – St. Matt 5:48which is in heaven is perfect.” – St. Matt 5:48

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ConclusionConclusion

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Section II – Section II – What does humanity need What does humanity need

salvation from? salvation from?

Why do we need a savior?Why do we need a savior?

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Section III – What does the Section III – What does the incarnate son of God do for incarnate son of God do for salvation?salvation?

1.1. IncarnationIncarnation

2.2. Renewing the image of GodRenewing the image of God

3.3. The Lamb of GodThe Lamb of God

4.4. Redemption (ransom)Redemption (ransom)

5.5. MediatorMediator

6.6. HealingHealing

7.7. Trampling upon deathTrampling upon death

8.8. Opening up the gates to ParadiseOpening up the gates to Paradise

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Section IV - How can we Section IV - How can we experience this salvation? experience this salvation?

1.1. GraceGrace

2.2. FaithFaith

3.3. Life in ChristLife in Christ

4.4. Anointing with the Holy SpiritAnointing with the Holy Spirit

5.5. As members of the Body of ChristAs members of the Body of Christ

6.6. Second ComingSecond Coming

7.7. TheosisTheosis

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Section IV – Section IV –

How can we experience this How can we experience this salvation?salvation?

Salvation is accomplished by Salvation is accomplished by gracegrace in response to in response to faithfaith..

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For Further Reading :For Further Reading :

1. Hopko, Fr. Thomas. 1. Hopko, Fr. Thomas. The Orthodox FaithThe Orthodox Faith Available online Available online http://www.oca.org/OCorthfaith.asp?SID=2

2. Carlton, Clark. 2. Carlton, Clark. The Life, The Orthodox The Life, The Orthodox Docrtine of SalvationDocrtine of Salvation (Salisbury : Regina (Salisbury : Regina Orthodox Press, 2000)Orthodox Press, 2000)

3. Ware, Bp. Kallistos. 3. Ware, Bp. Kallistos. The Orthodox WayThe Orthodox Way (Crestwood, NY : SVS Press, 2002)(Crestwood, NY : SVS Press, 2002)

4. Lossky, Vladimir. 4. Lossky, Vladimir. The Mystical Theology of The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church the Eastern Church (Crestwood, NY : SVS (Crestwood, NY : SVS Press, 2002)Press, 2002)

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AppendixAppendix

Common Questions regarding Common Questions regarding SalvationSalvation

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1. Is salvation a process?1. Is salvation a process? Salvation as already achievedSalvation as already achieved: "When the kindness of : "When the kindness of

God our Saviour, and his love towards man, appeared, not by God our Saviour, and his love towards man, appeared, not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he according to his mercy he savedsaved us, through the washing of us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, which he regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour; poured out upon us richly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:4-7). ).

Salvation as an on-going processSalvation as an on-going process: "To us who : "To us who are being are being savedsaved, (the word of the cross) is the power of God" (, (the word of the cross) is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18). ).

Salvation as yet to be obtainedSalvation as yet to be obtained: "Since, therefore, we are : "Since, therefore, we are now justified by (Christ's) blood, much more now justified by (Christ's) blood, much more shall we be shall we be savedsaved by him from the wrath of God" ( by him from the wrath of God" (Romans 5:9). ).

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2. Can a person loose their 2. Can a person loose their salvation?salvation? From Bishop Kallistos Ware (How Are We Saved? pgs. 44-45):From Bishop Kallistos Ware (How Are We Saved? pgs. 44-45):

"God wishes all to be saved (I Tim 2:4): but he knocks at the "God wishes all to be saved (I Tim 2:4): but he knocks at the door but does not break it down by force - he waits for us to door but does not break it down by force - he waits for us to open (cf. Rev. 3:20)...and so our salvation comes to pass only open (cf. Rev. 3:20)...and so our salvation comes to pass only with our voluntary consent...And because grace is never with our voluntary consent...And because grace is never irresistible; it is also never indefectible...to the end of our irresistible; it is also never indefectible...to the end of our earthly life there remains always the possibility that we may earthly life there remains always the possibility that we may fall away."fall away."

““Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Rev 2:10 Rev 2:10

““Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' “ – Matthew never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' “ – Matthew 7:22-237:22-23

3 surprises in heaven – John Newton (Amazing Grace) 3 surprises in heaven – John Newton (Amazing Grace) (continued)(continued)

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2. Can a person loose their 2. Can a person loose their salvation?salvation? Reason for this confusion :Reason for this confusion :

To some to be saved means to be To some to be saved means to be declared “not guilty”. Saved person declared “not guilty”. Saved person stands before God justified because stands before God justified because he/she has accepted Christ. Legal view of he/she has accepted Christ. Legal view of salvationsalvation

For the Orthodox this is over emphasis For the Orthodox this is over emphasis on one metaphor.on one metaphor.

Salvation is a living relationship with GodSalvation is a living relationship with God Humility about our own spiritual stateHumility about our own spiritual state

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2. Can a person loose their 2. Can a person loose their salvation?salvation? How can a person loose their salvation?How can a person loose their salvation?

Falling away from GodFalling away from God For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the

world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known having known it,it, to turn from the holy to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 2 Peter 2:20-21commandment delivered to them. 2 Peter 2:20-21

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, my absence, work out yourwork out your own salvation with fear own salvation with fear and trembling; Phil 2:12and trembling; Phil 2:12

Not that this sins changes God’s attitude towards us Not that this sins changes God’s attitude towards us but our sin forms a barrier between us and God.but our sin forms a barrier between us and God.

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3. Can non Christians be 3. Can non Christians be saved?saved? Theophan the Recluse. He replied more or less thus: "You Theophan the Recluse. He replied more or less thus: "You

ask, will the heterodox be saved... Why do you worry about ask, will the heterodox be saved... Why do you worry about them? They have a Saviour Who desires the salvation of them? They have a Saviour Who desires the salvation of every human being. He will take care of them. You and I every human being. He will take care of them. You and I should not be burdened with such a concern. Study yourself should not be burdened with such a concern. Study yourself and your own sins. " and your own sins. " -http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/inquirers/metphil_heterodox.a-http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/inquirers/metphil_heterodox.aspx spx

For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.“ It and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.“ It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. Rom 9:15-16; compare Acts 10:34-35God's mercy. Rom 9:15-16; compare Acts 10:34-35

Let us pray that God be merciful on all; Let us work to bring Let us pray that God be merciful on all; Let us work to bring others to the True Light (Jesus Christ).others to the True Light (Jesus Christ).

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3. Can non Christians be 3. Can non Christians be saved?saved? An Orthodox scholar recently observed that there are basically An Orthodox scholar recently observed that there are basically

three views that Christians have taken with regard to non-three views that Christians have taken with regard to non-Christian religions. Christian religions.

Exclusivism - The first is that the non-Christian will be damned Exclusivism - The first is that the non-Christian will be damned Inclusivism - The second is that the non-Christian may be saved Inclusivism - The second is that the non-Christian may be saved

in spite the religion he practices, but only through the mercy of in spite the religion he practices, but only through the mercy of God.God.

Pluralism - The third is that the non-Christian may be saved by Pluralism - The third is that the non-Christian may be saved by means of the very religion he practices, for nonChristian means of the very religion he practices, for nonChristian religions may also contain saving truths. religions may also contain saving truths.

The claim of exclusivism has been rejected by many Orthodox The claim of exclusivism has been rejected by many Orthodox scholars as untenable. This is not done in the interests of scholars as untenable. This is not done in the interests of facilitating missionary endeavors or to foster world peace. facilitating missionary endeavors or to foster world peace. Exclusiveness is rejected as a matter of Truth. The majority of Exclusiveness is rejected as a matter of Truth. The majority of Orthodox scholars would accept inclusivismOrthodox scholars would accept inclusivism

--Rev. Protopresbyter George C. PapademetriouRev. Protopresbyter George C. Papademetriou http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8089.asp

This does not take away from the centrality of Jesus ChristThis does not take away from the centrality of Jesus Christ

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Is this Biblical?Is this Biblical? Are you saved?Are you saved? Have you accepted Jesus as personal Lord and savior?Have you accepted Jesus as personal Lord and savior?

Personal lord and savior is not in BiblePersonal lord and savior is not in Bible Accept Jesus. Rather acceptable to God (Rom 15:16; 1 Pet 2:5)Accept Jesus. Rather acceptable to God (Rom 15:16; 1 Pet 2:5)