Abstract:
Calvin scholars debate whether Calvin’s theology supports the Eastern Orthodox theosis,
which advocates the believers’ participation in the intrinsic divine life, mediated by Christ’s
humanity in their union with Christ. To attempt to give an answer to the question of theosis in
Calvin’s theology, this article isolates a framework used by the proponents of Eastern Orthodox
theosis in Calvin’s theology. The framework centres around the three aspects of the nature of
the salvific gifts, the nature of the believers’ union with Christ and the relation of Christ’s two
natures in their hypostatic union. The re-examination of these three aspects through the lens of
Calvin’s theology shows that it is hard to hold that Calvin teaches Eastern Orthodox theosis.
Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implication: As a Reformed intradisciplinary
assessment of the question of theosis in Calvin’s theology, this article maintains that the
proponents of Calvin’s doctrine of theosis overlook his Chalcedonian Christology, the personal
dimension of his idea of union with Christ and his emphasis on Christ’s salvific work in his
humanity.
