Theosis – What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Theosis is drawn from the Greek word meaning “divinization,” used by some Christian traditions to describe how believers are transformed by God’s grace. The Bible teaches that those who belong to Christ are conformed to His image (Romans 8:29), renewed in knowledge according to the likeness of God (Colossians 3:10), and changed from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18). This transformation happens through union with Christ, who dwells in believers through the Spirit (Galatians 2:20; John 15:4–5). Theosis points to participation in God’s nature (2 Peter 1:4), meaning believers share in His moral qualities and eternal life without sharing His divine essence. The process begins at salvation, continues through sanctification, and will be completed in glorification when believers see Christ face-to-face (1 John 3:2). While the Bible emphasizes transformation, it also maintains a clear Creator–creature distinction, so theosis is about becoming fully human as God intended, not becoming God Himself.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The term theosis is not found in the Old Testament, as it comes from a Greek root used in the New Testament. Yet the OT introduces the foundational idea by presenting humanity as created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26–27). This image implies a unique capacity to reflect God’s moral character, wisdom, and relational love. The fall distorted this image, separating humanity from God and corrupting our ability to display His holiness (Genesis 3:1–24).
• Even so, the OT points forward to a day when God would restore His people to reflect His glory. Through the prophets, God promised to give His people a new heart and a new spirit so they would walk in His statutes (Ezekiel 36:26–27). Isaiah foretold a time when God’s glory would rise upon His people, drawing the nations to His light (Isaiah 60:1–3). The Psalms speak of dwelling with God and experiencing His guidance and eternal presence (Psalm 73:24–26).
• These promises create an expectation that God’s people will be transformed in their moral nature and restored to a relationship of intimate fellowship with Him. This expectation becomes the New Testament reality of believers being renewed in Christ’s image and sharing in the divine nature through union with Him.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Theosis refers to the believer’s transformation into Christlikeness through union with Him. The most direct biblical reference is 2 Peter 1:4, which says believers become “partakers of the divine nature,” meaning they share in God’s moral excellence and eternal life, not His divine essence.
• Union with Christ is the basis of this transformation. Believers are crucified with Christ and yet live because He lives in them (Galatians 2:20). This union produces a change described as being conformed to the image of God’s Son (Romans 8:29) and renewed in the likeness of God (Colossians 3:10). The Spirit is the active agent, transforming believers from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
• Theosis is also tied to glorification. John said, “... we know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is” (1 John 3:2). That is, when Jesus returns, believers will reach perfect sanctification, in contrast to the present, when believers are still slowly growing in holiness, love, and obedience.
• Throughout the NT, theosis never implies crossing the boundary between Creator and creature. Believers remain human but are restored to the fullness of life intended by God, sharing in His holiness (Hebrews 12:10) and eternal fellowship with Him (John 17:22–23).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Theosis is a word that means that God’s work in our lives is far greater than simply improving our behavior. It is a total transformation into the likeness of Christ, restoring what was lost in the fall and making us fit for eternal fellowship with God. Let this truth inspire us to pursue holiness with both diligence and joy, knowing that our efforts are supported by the Spirit’s power (Philippians 2:12–13). Every step of obedience, every moment of repentance, and every act of love is part of the process by which God conforms us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

The hope of sharing in the divine nature also offers comfort in times of struggle. When we feel the weight of sin, we can remember that God’s promise is to complete the work He began in us (Philippians 1:6).

This doctrine also guards our hearts against pride. While we will share in God’s glory, we will never become God. The Creator–creature distinction remains, meaning we will eternally be in a posture of worship and dependence on Him.

Finally, theosis deepens our understanding of the gospel. Salvation is not only about forgiveness; it is about being fully restored to the image God intended from the beginning. As believers, we can live with confidence and anticipation, knowing that every hardship and every spiritual victory is moving us toward the day when we will perfectly reflect His holiness and enjoy His presence forever. If you are a believer, your weaknesses and failures do not define your final state. Instead, because God has saved you, your destiny is to be like Christ in purity, love, and joy (1 John 3:2).

UNDERSTAND

• Theosis is becoming like Christ in holiness, love, and glory without becoming God.
• Theosis begins at salvation, continues through sanctification, and completes in glorification.
• Theosis restores humanity to God’s intended fullness while keeping the Creator–creature distinction.

REFLECT

• How do you see God working in your life to shape you more into Christlikeness?
• In what areas do you struggle to reflect God’s holiness, love, or glory, and how can you invite His Spirit to transform you there?
• How does understanding theosis give you hope and reassurance about your spiritual growth?

ENGAGE

• How does the concept of theosis change the way we view sanctification and our obedience to God?
• How can we practically cooperate with God’s transformative work while remembering we remain human and never become God?
• How does the promise of being conformed to Christ’s image impact our perspective on sin, struggle, and spiritual maturity?