THEOSISVissarion (Nechaev)
In the afflictions that arise for individuals consumed by desire, they alone bear the responsibility. Yet, they possess the autonomy to stray from the righteous paths—those of holiness and virtue. Had they chosen to steadfastly follow these paths, they would have discovered them to be smooth and would have gained insight from personal experience that a consistent walk in the ways of righteousness invites God’s favor and even enhances their physical prosperity, as promised in the Scriptures of the Old Testament. To whom did the Lord extend the promise of a flourishing and enduring life in the promised land? To the faithful and reverent (Deuteronomy 11:4, 9). They will dwell in the land—those who are blameless are assured a serene existence within it.
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The narratives of the chosen people verify the realization of this promise. The descendants of Israel thrived in the promised land only when they upheld genuine faith, resisted the allure of pagan iniquity, and remained diligent in adhering to the Lord's commandments. Thus, the responsibility for the misfortunes of the greedy lies solely with them. They are at liberty to depart from the noble ways of devotion and virtue. Had they resolutely walked those paths, they would have found them clear and would have learned from experience that a faithful journey along the paths of righteousness draws down God’s blessings and even fosters their external well-being, in accordance with the assurances found in the Old Testament. For to whom did the Lord promise a bountiful and enduring existence in the promised land? To the upright and God-fearing (Deuteronomy 11:4, 9). They shall inhabit the land—those who are blameless are promised a tranquil existence therein. The accounts of the chosen people affirm the fulfillment of this promise. The children of Israel experienced prosperity in the promised land only when they maintained true faith, resisted pagan immorality, and earnestly pursued the observance of the Lord’s law.