The company is with God
1. The error of focusing only on grace
He explains that some reduce spiritual life to phrases like “everything is by grace” or “Christ overcame for me,” as if man has no role in salvation. This is a Western concept that contradicts Orthodox teaching because it denies human freedom and responsibility.
2. Mutual love between God and man
He teaches that God’s love alone is not enough for salvation; man must return that love with love. God loved the whole world, yet only “whoever believes in Him” will have eternal life. Christ asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” showing that love must be proven through action — “Feed My sheep.”
3. Active love, not mere words
True love is shown in obedience and work. “My son, give Me your heart, and let your eyes observe My ways.” Love must be “in deed and in truth,” not in words only.
4. Man’s cooperation with the Holy Spirit
Spiritual life results from both the Holy Spirit’s work and man’s partnership with Him. The Spirit works, but man can resist or quench Him. Thus, it is not enough to say “grace works in me”; man must strive alongside grace.
5. St. Paul as an example of synergy and struggle
He cites St. Paul who said, “The grace of God working in me,” yet also, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.” Paul labored more than all, never relying on grace alone but cooperating with it in constant effort and struggle.
6. Warning against Protestant influence
He warns of the danger of Western Protestant ideas infiltrating the Orthodox Church under priestly appearance, saying “Protestantism wears black robes and works inside the Church,” teaching a false comfort that removes the need for repentance and effort.
7. The necessity of spiritual struggle
He stresses that spiritual striving is essential, as Paul wrote: “You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.” Faith alone does not save unless it is living, active, and fruitful in love. Abiding in Christ requires obedience and keeping His commandments.
8. Spiritual conclusion
Grace works, but man must work with it, struggling to keep the commandments and resist sin. Christianity is not rest without effort but a partnership of love and work between God and man. Whoever loves God shows it by labor and sacrifice, as did the martyrs and saints.
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