THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril: We are justified by grace through Christ without having provided anything in return for our lives or purchasing the gift of freedom. This was foreshadowed in Deuteronomy, where it states: "In the seventh year you shall make forgiveness. Every lender shall forgive the debt owed to his neighbor and not charge him; forgiveness is proclaimed for the Lord's sake. You may collect from a foreigner, but you must forgive your brother what is owed to you. There should be no poor among you, for the Lord will bless you in the land He gives you as an inheritance, allowing you to claim it" (Deuteronomy 15:1-4). Can you see the truth revealing itself amidst the shadows? This illustrates the gracious care of our Savior towards us.
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For those who have drawn near to Him through faith and have become part of His family via the communion of the Holy Spirit and incorporation of His divine nature, He has forgiven their debts without them having offered anything in return. He has not held their offenses against them, even though they owe Him an account of how they lived their lives. However, those who remain estranged, nearly as outsiders due to their devastating unbelief, are deemed indebted. Since they have sins that remain unpunished, they rightfully stand liable to judgment and punishment. To those who do 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). Conversely, to those who disregard the true and evangelical message, He warns: "Unless you believe that it is I, you shall die in your sins" (John 8:24). Thus, understand that He assures freedom for those who come to Him in faith, while those who remain foreign and deadened by their sins will ultimately have to account for their transgressions before the Judge.
Palladius: Indeed.