Craig Truglia presents what is meant to be a definitive summary of the Orthodox view of Justification. As one shall see, the Orthodox soteriological paradigm needs a lot of unpacking. In summary, because Orthodox have an "essence-energy distinction," they believe that they participate directly in God's grace in degrees proportionate to their faith in God. Good works are a direct participation in this grace and are the means that "faith is perfected." (James 2:22) For this reason, Orthodox assert the teaching that is summed up by Saint Maximus and the Council of Jerusalem (1672) that Christians are saved by faith through works. This does not mean "faith alone" nor "faith and works" as Protestants often mean it--though both terms are used by Orthodox to mean "faith through works."
8 окт 2024