Posted by Tovah on October 7, 2003, at 7:25:38
In reply to Re: I can't tell you... » Tovah, posted by Tabitha on October 7, 2003, at 0:33:41
...one would prepare for that by living in the Church, participating in the sacraments (baptism, Eucharist, etc. etc.), and striving to be like Christ. The Church is considered to be the closest thing to heaven on earth. Living a life of love for others would also be a way to prepare. For those who lived like Christ (loving, forgiving, etc.) whether knowingly or unknowingly, being surrounded by God's Love will be Lovely. By the same token, however, simply claiming to believe in Christ is not enough. If one is a "Christian" in name or belief, but treats others with hatred, an eternity of being with God won't be pleasant, because they will react to that love with hatred. One thing for sure in Orthodoxy: Salvation is not confused with Conversion. Salvation is not a one-time sudden event that happens in a moment and lasts forever. Instead, it is considered a lifelong process, a constant movement of becoming more and more like Christ and closer to God.
Because Orthodoxy pre-dates the concept of Original Sin, there is no belief that one is damned from birth. However it is believed that we are all sinners, but not that mankind is totally depraved. In Orthodoxy, the mission of life is not getting "saved" but Theosis, a oneness with God. HTL. :)
poster:Tovah
thread:266053
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20030908/msgs/266248.html