Orthodoxy and Justification

In Orthodoxy, we are Justified by grace through faith in good works. The prepositions are vitally important! ‘Imputed Righteousness’ means that the only holiness of which we are capable is that given to us by God himself. Although this emphasizes (biblically) the work of grace, it can be pushed too far. Unless we are careful, repentance and faith will count for little since nothing that we could do under this scheme would make one jot of difference to what God was (prepared) to do in us… with or without our consent.

In the Orthodox Church, holiness is always both our work and God’s work. Against this, imputed righteousness is a dangerous half-truth. Additionally, we need to recognize that the Scriptures presume the existence of faith… We will not be judged on our faith but on our works, done in faith. Take note of what we are “judged for” in Revelation 20:11-15, “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”