OK, I was just wondering about the mechanics of baptism's relationship to theosis. I would assume that one cannot reach theosis if one is not "in Christ". Is baptism the only way to accomplish this?
God's grace is not held hostage by our intellect or our acceptance of Him.
Yes, I fully agree. ... So how can you be saying this? :) This idea is along the lines of Irresistible Grace. I'm glad you can buy at least one thing in TULIP. :)
Baptism is not theosis. Baptism in the name of The Holy Trinity is valid regardless of our intellectual ability.
The reason why adults have to believe in order to be baptized is because they have already sinned and must repent. Those who cannot sin (infants, mentally handicapped) have not sinned, so there is no need to repent. God's grace is valid regardless. For those who cannot sin, they will live the rest of their lives forgiven and restored; for those who have sinned, they must repent and seek God to avoid sin because they will continue to sin.
Baptism will wash away any sins that we already have. Theosis is our participation in God's uncreated energies, living a virtuous life in Christ, cooperating with God's will. Two different things, FK.
So how can you be saying this? :) This idea is along the lines of Irresistible Grace. I'm glad you can buy at least one thing in TULIP. :)
Grace is not shoved down our throat against our will. God's grace is there whether we want it or not, whether we understand it or not, whether we know it or not.