Theosis means deification and it is the process of human beings becoming holy and being united with God. For Eastern Orthodox Christians the incarnation is the way in which humanity can become united with God. This statement by St. Athanasius of Alexandria indicates the concept beautifully: "The Son of God became man, that we might become God".
What would otherwise seem absurd - that fallen humanity may become holy as God is holy - has been made possible through Jesus Christ, who is God incarnate. Naturally, there is a limit on this...But as II Peter 1:4 says we may become " . . . partakers of divine nature."
And i think that this is my hope this Christmas, that we may all become partakers in the divine nature of God!
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