THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril emphasizes that our justification before God is granted purely by grace in Christ, without our having to offer anything in return for our lives or purchase the honor of freedom. Instead, we receive it through the Lord's compassion and humanity, as foreshadowed in Deuteronomy where it states: “In the seventh year you shall make forgiveness. Forgiveness is that every lender who lent to his neighbor shall forgive the debt, and shall not charge his neighbor or his brother; for forgiveness is declared for the Lord's sake. From a foreigner you may require it; but whatever is yours from your brother, you shall forgive.
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Except there be a beggar with you; for the Lord shall bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, that you may take it as an inheritance” (Deuteronomy 15:1-4).
Can you perceive the truth illuminated within the shadows? This illustrates our Savior's care for us: those who approach Him in faith and become His family through the unity of the Holy Spirit and participation in His divine nature have had their debts forgiven, even though they have not repaid Him; He has chosen not to hold them accountable for their wrongdoings, despite their obligation to account for their lives. Conversely, those who remain distant strangers due to their profound disbelief, and who lack a familial connection with Him, are held responsible for their debts, and justly face judgment and punishment for their unatoned sins.
Thus, for those who believe, He declares: “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). Yet, to those who reject the true and gospel message, He solemnly states, “unless you believe that it is I, you shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). Therefore, do you comprehend that He promises freedom to those who are united to Him by faith, while those who remain strangers and are spiritually dead in their sins will be called to account for their transgressions before the Judge? Palladius agrees.