Orthodox Soteriology versus Evangelical Eternal Security of Salvation

Abstract: The treatise intends to present a defense and clarification of Eastern Orthodox soteriology against the beliefs of neo-Evangelicalism. Part I demonstrates what the Byzantine Orthodox Church actually believes in regards to salvation, and addresses the neo-Evangelical/Protestant misunderstanding of Orthodox soteriology. It clarifies what the Orthodox terms theosis and synergeia really mean. It contrasts the modern Evangelical doctrine of “once saved always saved” (OSAS) and the Orthodox doctrines of theosis and synergia. It demonstrates that salvation in the Apostolic Tradition is an ongoing lifelong healing process, that involves the voluntary cooperation of the human will with Divine grace, thereby leading to holiness. It questions the neo-evangelical view of eternal security of salvation being obtained the moment one starts believing in Christ. Part II analyzes who gets saved, whether salvation is limited only to Christians, and what about the non-believers. The treatise describes the Orthodox teaching of not knowing the boundaries of the Church, which is acknowledged with humility. While it addresses the strictness of canonical boundaries alongside the patristic teaching of God’s mercy outside them, it also challenges the neo-evangelical view of non-Christians being eternally condemned to hell, and the possibility of “Christians” never getting condemned. This treatise serves as an apologetic reaffirmation that Eastern Orthodoxy alone preserves the full integrity of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ as preached by the Apostles and preserved by the Historical Church against modern Protestant understandings.