Imagine you’re in a courtroom. The judge is about to sentence you to death, but at the last second, someone bursts through the doors and says, “Wait! I’ll take the punishment instead.” This dramatic scene is how many Christians today understand salvation. But what if I told you that the early Church saw things very differently? Instead of a courtroom drama, imagine a hospital—you are the patient, and God is the Great Physician, healing your soul and restoring you to health. Which story resonates more with a God of love?
Understanding the Differences in Soteriology
When discussing salvation, one thing becomes clear: the way Eastern Orthodox Christians view it is very different from the way many modern evangelical Christians understand it. These differences aren’t just theological nuances; they’re foundational to how we see God, humanity, and our journey to eternal life.
Many Protestant Christians believe in a doctrine called Sola Fide, or “faith alone.” This teaching holds that a person is justified (made right with God) by faith alone, apart from any works or effort. Alongside this, the idea of penal substitutionary atonement is often emphasized. This theory says that Jesus’ death on the cross was necessary to satisfy the wrath of God by taking the punishment we deserve for our sins. Together, these doctrines form the backbone of much of modern evangelical Christianity.
The Orthodox Church, however, sees things quite differently. To us, salvation is not about satisfying divine wrath or a courtroom declaration. It is about healing and transformation—becoming united with God, or as the Apostle Peter writes, “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). This is often called theosis in Orthodox theology. Instead of focusing on legal categories, Orthodoxy focuses on restoring the image of God in us, which has been marred by sin.
The History of Sola Fide and Penal Substitution
The Protestant doctrines of Sola Fide and penal substitution are actually quite new in the history of Christianity. They emerged during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Before that, no Christian—whether in the East or West—thought of salvation in these terms.
The early Church Fathers, the apostles, and the first seven ecumenical councils never taught anything resembling these doctrines. For over 1,500 years, Christians understood salvation as a process of growing in holiness and union with God. This is not to say faith isn’t essential—it absolutely is. But faith, in the Orthodox view, is the beginning of a journey, not the end.
Consider the words of St. Irenaeus (2nd century): “The glory of God is a living man, and the life of man is the vision of God.” Salvation is about life, not just escaping punishment. Similarly, St. Athanasius (4th century) said, “God became man so that man might become god.” Here we see the focus on theosis—being transformed by God’s grace.
The Role of Repentance in Salvation
At the heart of Orthodox soteriology is repentance (μετάνοια, metanoia), which literally means “a change of mind.” Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for your sins. It is a complete turning of the heart and mind toward God. In fact, Jesus began His ministry with these words: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).
Repentance is essential because sin separates us from God. As Isaiah says, “Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God” (Isaiah 59:2). Sin is not just breaking rules; it’s a sickness of the soul. Repentance is the medicine that begins to heal us.
The Orthodox understanding of repentance is beautifully summarized in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). When the son realizes his sin, he turns back to his father in humility. The father doesn’t demand repayment or punish him. Instead, he runs to embrace him and restores him as a son. This is the heart of repentance—turning back to God and being restored by His love.
What the Early Church Fathers Teach About Repentance
The importance of repentance is echoed throughout the writings of the early Church Fathers:
- St. John Chrysostom wrote, “Repentance is a medicine that destroys sin; it is a heavenly gift, a grace surpassing the power of laws.”
- St. Basil the Great said, “True repentance is to be no longer bound by the evil that we have done, but to grieve inwardly and make a firm resolve never to return to it.”
- St. Isaac the Syrian emphasized the joy of repentance: “This life has been given to you for repentance; do not waste it in vain pursuits.”
The councils of the Church also affirm this understanding. For example, the Second Ecumenical Council (Constantinople, 381) emphasizes the necessity of ongoing renewal and repentance in the Christian life.
What the Bible Says About Repentance and Salvation
Scripture repeatedly shows that repentance is essential to salvation:
- “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
- “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38).
- “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8).
Faith and repentance go hand in hand. Faith is trusting in God’s mercy, and repentance is the natural response to that trust.
As St. James writes, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). Repentance is one of those works that flows from true faith.
Practical Steps to Begin the Journey of Repentance
Now that we understand the role of repentance in salvation, what can you do?
- Pray Daily for a Repentant Heart Ask God to show you your sins and give you the strength to turn from them. The Jesus Prayer is a powerful tool: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
- Confess Your Sins Find an Orthodox priest and make a confession. Confession is not about shame; it’s about healing. As Jesus said, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them” (John 20:23).
- Read the Scriptures and the Church Fathers Immerse yourself in the Bible and the writings of the early Church. Let their wisdom guide you.
- Participate in the Sacraments The sacraments, especially the Eucharist, are vital for our salvation. Jesus said, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you” (John 6:53).
- Live a Life of Love and Humility True repentance leads to a life of love. As St. Paul writes, “The entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:14).
Conclusion: A Call to Ancient Faith
If you are coming from a Protestant background, I invite you to explore the ancient faith of Orthodoxy. The doctrines of Sola Fide and penal substitution, though well-meaning, are a departure from the faith of the apostles and the early Church. The Orthodox Church offers a path to salvation that is not about legal transactions but about healing, transformation, and union with God.
Repentance is the doorway to this life. It is not a one-time act but a lifelong journey. Christ calls you to follow Him, to take up your cross, and to be transformed by His love.
Will you answer that call?
Stop Self-Rejecting and Start Succeeding
Have you ever stopped before you even started? Maybe you…
Scott, did you write this or just share it?
I wrote it.
Thanks! In that case, it’s worth reading 😉
Wow this article was awesome. I really enjoyed it!!
Thanks Brian!
John the baptist preached, repent for the kingdom of God is near. In acts their was a need for a baptism of the Holy Spirit which empowered the 120 tp go forth with power. Cornelius had to ask because of a dream to send to joppa for a man named peter to baptise them with th Holy Spirit
That is fantastic! What a great clear explanation of the gospel. Thank you for sharing. …I will be sharing this with many! So awesome to read the truth of the Word of God spelled out!
Amazing article Scott…
Amazing!
Love it!! Thanks for sharing.
Faith and work are intertwined so that by grace we are enabled to exceed what our human condition is by the transposition of our thoughts. Our thoughts should be in complete alignment with the thoughts of Christ.
Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for posting your comments Yolanda.
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So my question is, repentance and salvation which comes first for unbeliever?
If you are using the biblical concept of repentance that I reference above (i.e. a change of mind), repentance is first because it is with the changing of mind that you place your trust in the finished work of Christ and are saved. If you are referring to the modern concept of repentance with its associated regret, sorrow, and remorse, then repentance is a byproduct of salvation because you are no longer spiritually blind.
Can someone be saved without repenting, I’m referring to the questioned asked by EVANGELIST ADU AMANKWAH PROSPE
It is unwise to speak about who will and will not be “saved.” God alone has the prerogative to allow someone into the kingdom. What we can say is what has been revealed to us. The faith handed down from the apostles places repentance at the center of what it means to be a Christian. Without a “change of mind,” where we turn away from sin and toward God, we can’t have any confidence that we will be “saved.”
perfect