Beyond Faith Alone - Orthodox Vs. Protestant Views on Salvation

Lifelong Effort

Orthodox and Protestant believers differ on salvation. Protestants emphasize the concept of justification by faith alone, while Orthodox have a view that includes a lifelong effort in cooperation with grace.

Orthodox View: In Orthodox theology, justification (δικαίωσις) is a lifelong journey based on faith and love, becoming more like Christ, acting with free will in cooperation with grace. Orthodox Christians do not approach justification or salvation in a legalistic manner. It requires more than faith.

Protestant View: Influenced by Martin Luther during the Protestant Reformation, Protestants adhere to justification by faith alone. Faith in God declares a person righteous and deserving of eternal salvation through God's grace alone. It involves personal trust in Christ's sacrifice on the Cross, not just intellectual belief. They reference Ephesians 2:8-9 to support their belief. Protestants also value good works and obedience to God's commandments as the natural expressions of faith.

Oversimplification? Orthodox perceive the Protestant view as oversimplified, viewing eternal life with Christ the result of faith plus a lifelong effort overcoming tendencies for sin through faith and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (grace). The Holy Spirit enables us to overcome sinful tendencies and act according to  God's will, producing good works (Ephesians 2:10). Orthodox Christians understand that good works needed for salvation are the fruits of faith and their effort in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, not accomplished solely through personal efforts or faith alone. 

View of Original Sin makes a difference: Orthodox recognize that the Fall of Adam and Eve introduced a tendency to sin known as Ancestral sin, rejecting personal guilt for their disobedience. This tendency we inherit with our mortality. Christ’s life and voluntary death on the Cross was not simply a payment for Adam’s sin, but showed us a path to perfection in His image through His Resurrection and Ascension. 

There is a lifelong struggle: Because of Ancestral sin, Orthodox believers, like Paul, acknowledge the unavoidable ongoing struggle against sin. Paul tells us to work out our salvation with “fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12-13) Christ has sent the Holy Spirit to equip believers with what is needed for this ongoing effort. Faith and works are inseparable as stated in James 2:17. One must humbly live out their faith rooted in love, compassion, and obedience to God's commandments in cooperation with grace, as a means of participating in the divine life (Theosis).

Active life in Church necessary: Orthodox Christians recognize that salvation is not merely an individual pursuit, but a loving relationship with God experienced within the Church. They participate in liturgical acts invoking the Holy Spirit for purification and sanctification. They pursue a Christlike life through participation in sacraments, daily prayer, fasting, and repentance.

Not based on human effort alone: Both Orthodox and Protestant traditions agree salvation cannot be earned through human efforts alone. Orthodox Christianity emphasizes Synergia, the necessity of ongoing efforts in cooperation with grace. As believers eliminate their passions that cause sin and draw closer to Christ becoming more like Him, they receive an increased measure of grace, empowering them to overcome their sinful tendencies to become ever more able to engage in the work of God.

Cooperation with the Holy Spirit: Orthodox Christians work to discover their weaknesses and develop an increasing presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives through the Church. They engage in sacraments, prayer, fasting and repentance to align their will with God’s, all initiated by Christ and His Apostles. They never assume they are saved because Final judgment rests with God at His Second Coming, where He will examine their love for Him,  purity from sinful tendencies, and their efforts to carryout His divine plan.

Summary: While Protestants emphasize faith alone, Orthodox Christianity embraces a comprehensive understanding that involves an evolving loving relationship with God through ongoing personal effort in cooperation with grace. Faith and grace is essential in both traditions, recognizing that personal effort separated from grace cannot earn salvation. Orthodox Christianity emphasizes synergia, the cooperating with God's grace to become purified of all sinful tendencies, enabling believers to participate in fulfilling God's will instead of their own will. This process is lifelong, nurtured by the Holy Spirit gained through the sacraments, prayer, fasting, repentance, and a Christlike life.