understood parts of the NT, because of a misunderstanding about what Á-°justificationÁ-? is.
Some Orthodox Christians may not see what the Á-°big dealÁ-? is here, but this is a Á-°big
dealÁ-?, and a huge stumbling block for many Western believers.
To be Á-°justifiedÁ-? is to become righteous. This is not imputed unto us by fiat from God,
but comes about because of our struggle to be righteous, and the grace of God helping
us. Before the incarnation, no struggle for righteousness could be wholly successful.
God became man, and changed fundamental human nature, making it capable of total
righteousness Á-? total Á-°justificationÁ-?.
The great chasm in understanding comes from considering Á-°justificationÁ-? to be a legal
process, where Jesus Christ offered a perfect sacrifice to His Father by proxy. Orthodox
understand justification to be the gradual change of the inner man to holiness. All this is
made possible because of the incarnation. Á-°Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall
see God.Á-?
In all things in life, we learn by doing. Justification is no different. The Christian must
Á-°hearÁ-? the Gospel (whether by mouth, written word, and always by the inner groanings
always involves action. One could also say: faith always involves works.
If we do not emulate Christ in our works, we cannot know Him Á-? we cannot be justified.
The works are part of Á-°knowingÁ-? God. Without them, we do not change.
whom thou hast sent.
There is a righteous recent Greek nun, who recommended that the Christian would read
St James EVERY DAY. This is how important it is that we understand faith and works.