Sanctification vs. Theosis

Attribute	Sanctification	Theosis
Definition	The process of being made holy or set apart for God's work.	The process of becoming like God or attaining union with God.
Goal	To grow in holiness and conformity to Christ.	To become one with God and participate in His divine nature.
Means	Through faith in Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.	Through participation in the sacraments and spiritual disciplines.
Christian Tradition	Emphasized in Protestant and Catholic theology.	Emphasized in Eastern Orthodox theology.

Definition

Sanctification and Theosis are two important concepts in Christian theology that focus on the process of becoming more like God. Sanctification is the process by which a believer is made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit, while Theosis is the process of becoming united with God and sharing in His divine nature. Both concepts emphasize the transformation of the believer into a more godly and righteous individual.

Means of Attainment

Sanctification is typically achieved through a combination of prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, and the practice of spiritual disciplines such as fasting and meditation. The believer is called to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in the process of sanctification by actively pursuing a life of holiness. Theosis, on the other hand, is seen as a gift from God that is bestowed upon the believer through His grace. It is believed to be a gradual process that occurs over a lifetime of faithful obedience and spiritual growth.

Goal

The ultimate goal of both Sanctification and Theosis is the same: to become more like God and to participate in His divine nature. However, the emphasis may differ slightly between the two concepts. Sanctification focuses on the believer's personal holiness and moral purity, while Theosis emphasizes the believer's union with God and participation in His life and love. Both concepts point towards a deeper relationship with God and a transformation of the believer's character.

Scriptural Basis

Both Sanctification and Theosis have a strong foundation in Scripture. The concept of Sanctification is found in passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:3, which states, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification." Theosis, on the other hand, is rooted in verses like 2 Peter 1:4, which speaks of believers becoming "partakers of the divine nature." Both concepts are supported by a variety of biblical passages that emphasize the believer's call to holiness and union with God.

Historical Development

Sanctification has been a central theme in Christian theology since the early church fathers, who emphasized the believer's need for moral purity and spiritual growth. Theosis, on the other hand, has its roots in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, where it has been a key concept for centuries. Theosis has been a central focus of Eastern Orthodox theology, emphasizing the believer's union with God and participation in His divine life.

Practical Implications

Both Sanctification and Theosis have practical implications for the believer's daily life. Sanctification calls the believer to live a life of holiness and moral purity, striving to reflect the character of God in all areas of life. Theosis, on the other hand, encourages the believer to cultivate a deep relationship with God through prayer, meditation, and spiritual disciplines, seeking to become more united with Him in all aspects of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sanctification and Theosis are two important concepts in Christian theology that focus on the believer's transformation into a more godly and righteous individual. While Sanctification emphasizes the believer's personal holiness and moral purity, Theosis focuses on the believer's union with God and participation in His divine nature. Both concepts have a strong foundation in Scripture and have practical implications for the believer's daily life. Ultimately, both Sanctification and Theosis point towards a deeper relationship with God and a transformation of the believer's character.