Grace and Theosis - Orthodox (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The Orthodox affirm: we cannot save ourselves—we need divine grace. But salvation isn't just legal declaration; it's transformation—theosis, becoming like God. Grace enables our participation in divine nature. "Not by works" doesn't mean works are irrelevant but that they flow FROM grace, not toward it. Think of it as light: we don't create the sun, but we can step into the sunlight and be transformed by it. Grace is God's energy; we cooperate by receiving, not earning.