Basil the Great on Theosis

Basil the Great

eternal progression christian authorities theosis

Just as when a sunbeam falls on bright and transparent bodies, they themselves become brilliant too, and shed forth a fresh brightness from themselves, so souls wherein the Spirit dwells, illuminated by the Spirit, themselves become spiritual, and send forth their grace to others. Hence comes foreknowledge of the future, understanding of mysteries, apprehension of what is hidden, distribution of good gifts, the heavenly citizenship, a place in the chorus of angels, joy without end, abiding in God, the being made like to God, and, highest of all, the being made God.

On the Holy Spirit, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, eds., Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1994

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